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Saturday, November 14, 2009
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Colles’ wrist fracture

Colles fracture
Colles fracture
Alternative Names

Transverse wrist fracture; Dinner-fork deformity of the wrist


First Aid
  • Reassure the injured person.
  • A fractured or dislocated hand, finger, or wrist should be placed and splinted in a normal resting position. Rest the fingers around a padded object such as a sock, wadded cloth, or rolled elastic bandage. If the hand or wrist is injured, place the object in the victim's palm, and use a circumferential wrap to maintain the position of the object. In order for the hand to maintain circulation, keep the fingertips uncovered. If the victim has a broken wrist, place a rigid splint on the underside of the wrist, hand, and forearm to restrict any motion. Broken fingers can be splinted independently or taped together with padding in between.
  • Elevate the broken wrist, hand, or finger and place it in a sling.
  • Use an ice pack over the wrist to help reduce swelling.
  • Transport the victim to an emergency medical facility.
  • DO NOT attempt to move the wrist or hand.

Do Not

The hand or the wrist should not be moved.


Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if



Review Date: 07/29/2008
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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