Patrick is treated in the emergency department for a Colles’ fracture sustained during a fall. What is a Colles’ fracture?
A. Fracture of the distal radius.
B. Fracture of the olecranon.
C. Fracture of the humerus.
D. Fracture of the carpal scaphoid.
Correct Answer: A. Fracture of the distal radius.
Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the distal radius, such as from a fall on an outstretched hand. It’s most common in women.
Option B: Colles’ fracture does not involve the olecranon. Most Colles fractures are secondary to a fall on an outstretched hand with a pronated forearm in dorsiflexion.
Option C: The humerus is not affected in Colles’ fracture. It is a complete fracture of the radius bone of the forearm close to the wrist resulting in an upward displacement of the radius and obvious deformity.
Option D: Colles’ fracture doesn’t refer to a fracture of the carpal scaphoid. A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones of the wrist.