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Complications of Colles' fractures
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Colles' fractures often lead to serious complications, affecting over 30% of patients. These include nerve damage, joint issues, and malunion, frequently caused by incomplete healing or loss of fracture alignment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Colles' fractures are common wrist injuries.
- The frequency and types of serious complications are not widely recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and spectrum of serious complications following Colles' fractures.
- To identify factors contributing to these complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 565 Colles' fracture cases.
- Analysis of documented complications, including neuropathies, arthrosis, and malunion.
Main Results:
- 177 out of 565 fractures (31%) experienced significant complications.
- Common complications included neuropathies (45 cases), radiocarpal/radio-ulnar arthrosis (37 cases), and malunion (30 cases).
- Other issues comprised tendon ruptures, unrecognized injuries, Volkmann's ischemia, finger stiffness, and shoulder-hand syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Colles' fractures are associated with a high rate of serious complications.
- Incomplete radial length restoration and loss of reduction are key contributors to adverse outcomes.