Collesféle

Collesféle, in English commonly referred to as a Colles-type distal radius fracture, is a category of fractures of the distal forearm. It denotes an extra-articular break with dorsal angulation of the distal fragment. The term Collesféle is used in some languages to indicate this pattern, and the injury is named after the 19th‑century Irish surgeon Abraham Colles. It is especially common among older adults with osteoporosis and after falls on an outstretched hand.

Clinical features include a visible dinner-fork deformity, swelling, and wrist pain. Neurovascular status should be assessed. Plain radiographs typically show dorsal tilt of the distal fragment, decreased radial inclination, and sometimes radial shortening. In simple terms, the fracture shifts backward and upward relative to the radius, and the articular surface may be involved in more complex injuries.

Management depends on stability, alignment, and patient factors. Stable fractures in older patients may be treated non-operatively with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Unstable or intra-articular patterns often require surgery, with options such as volar locking plate fixation, percutaneous pinning, or external fixation. Early finger and elbow motion is encouraged after immobilization is removed to minimize stiffness.

Prognosis and epidemiology: The Colles-type fracture is common in adults, particularly postmenopausal women. With appropriate reduction and rehabilitation, many patients regain function, but complications such as malunion, carpal instability, stiffness, or median nerve irritation can occur. Osteoporosis management is important to reduce recurrence risk and promote healing.

See also: Colles' fracture; Smith fracture; distal radius fracture; osteoporosis.