Colles' Fracture Discharge Instructions

About this topic

There are two bones in the lower arm between the elbow and the wrist. These bones are the radius and the ulna. A break at the end of the radius near the wrist is a Colles fracture. It is most often caused by falling on an outstretched arm. Sometimes, it is due to an accident. Treatment of the fracture depends on how bad it is. It may be treated with a splint or cast. It may need surgery to fix the bones. ‚

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What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
Rest your wrist. Your doctor may have you wear a splint, brace, or cast to limit your movement.
Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Prop your wrist on pillows to help with swelling. Try to keep your wrist raised above your heart.
Wiggle your fingers often. This will help blood flow.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more x-rays. The doctor may need to remove your cast, splint, brace, or stitches. Your doctor may order physical therapy or an exercise program for you. ‚

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?

Bones take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚

What problems could happen?

Stiffness of the wrist
Arthritis or pain and swelling in the wrist
Less movement of the wrist
Change in normal position of the wrist

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Take extra care to avoid falling. Falls are a common cause of fractures.
Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. This will help keep your bones strong.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Your hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold, or feel numb or tingling
You have more swelling
You have very bad pain
If you have a cast, splint, or brace and it feels too tight
If you have any concerns about your condition
Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚

I can tell you about my fracture.
I can tell you how to care for my injured area.
I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
I can tell you what I will do if my hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold, or feel numb or tingling.

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00412 ‚
E-Hand ‚
http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw020.htm ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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