Colles, Abraham

Irish surgeon, 1773-1843.

Colles fascia

The inner membranous layer of the superficial fascia of the perineum.

Colles fracture

A transverse fracture of the distal radial metaphysis with displacement of the hand posteriorly and outward, causing the characteristic “dinner fork” deformity during radiographical evaluation. Contaminant trauma to the ulnar styloid process and the triangular fibrocartilage complex may also occur.

PATIENT CARE
A history of the injury is obtained, and the patient is assessed for pain, swelling, mobility, and any deformity of the distal forearm. The areas above and below the fracture site are inspected for color changes and palpated for pulses, temperature, and the presence of sensation. The extremity is temporarily immobilized with a splint, and cold is applied according to protocol to reduce pain and limit swelling. The patient is scheduled for radiography, all procedures are explained, and noninvasive pain relief measures are instituted to reduce discomfort. The nurse or orthopedic technician assists with closed reduction and casting if carried out in the emergency department or refers the patient to an orthopedic surgeon for treatment and follow-up care.


COLLES FRACTURE This 54-year-old female fell on an outstretched arm and sustained a fracture of the distal radius, commonly known as a Colles fracture. There is a palmar apex of the fracture site with dorsal angulation.