Colles fracture: does the anatomical result affect the final function?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Colles' fracture is a common wrist injury.
• Long-term functional outcomes of Colles' fracture malunion require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term functional and radiographic outcomes of Colles' fractures.
• To compare outcomes between patients with good radiological results and those with malunion.

Main Methods:

• Functional and radiographic assessments were performed on 30 patients with Colles' fractures sustained at least four years prior.
• Patients were categorized into groups based on radiological results (good vs. malunion).

Main Results:

• 17 patients had good radiological results, while 13 showed signs of malunion.
• The malunion group demonstrated significantly poorer functional performance compared to the undisplaced group.

Conclusions:

• Malunion of a Colles' fracture leads to a weak, deformed, stiff, and likely painful wrist.
• These findings highlight the importance of accurate fracture reduction for optimal long-term wrist function.