[Conservative treatment of classical radius fractures]

In Colles' fractures of the radius the distal fragment is slanted dorsally and radially, dislocated dorsally and radially and supinated. The radius is shortened. Furthermore a comminution-zone of the dorsal cortex is found. In closed reduction the fracture is unwedged and reduced by recreating the mechanism of trauma in neutral position, rather a light dorsiflection is maintained to check secondary dislocation of the distal fragment and shortening of the radius. The cast should push the carpus slightly palmwards and hold the hand in light ulnar-duction. Immobilization is retained for four to six weeks. Radiologic review is performed 4, 8, 12 and 16 days post reduction so that timely change to a different form of fixation is possible in case of secondary dislocation.