The value of remanipulating Colles' fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Colles' fractures are common wrist injuries.
• Redisplacement after initial reduction can occur.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of remanipulation for Colles' fractures that redisplace.
• To determine if patient age influences treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective assessment of 50 patients with redisplaced Colles' fractures.
• Analysis of outcomes based on patient age (over vs. under 60 years).

Main Results:

• Remanipulation provided no lasting positional improvement in patients over 60.
• Patients under 60 generally maintained significant improvement in dorsal angulation after remanipulation.

Conclusions:

• Elderly patients (over 60) with redisplaced Colles' fractures do not benefit from remanipulation.
• Remanipulation may be beneficial for younger patients regarding dorsal angulation.