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Colles’ wrist fracture

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

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.

• Review Date: 9/21/2006
• Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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