Document 6478829

Further information
If you require any further information after reading this leaflet,
please contact:
Warwick Hospital Physiotherapy Department
Tel: 01926 608068
Stratford Hospital Physiotherapy Department
Tel: 01789 205831 ext 5229
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SWH00516
Revision no.2:
Date: March 2011
Revision Date march 2013
Author: Outpatient Physiotherapy Team Leader
PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
Rehabilitation Advice
Following
Wrist (Colles)
Fracture
What is a Colles fracture?
A broken wrist is common following a fall on an outstretched
hand. A ‘Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the radius bone of the
forearm, just above the wrist. Symptoms include a great deal
of wrist pain, a "dinner fork" deformity, wrist swelling and an
inability to use the wrist and hand.
Exercises Continued:
The Queen’s wave:
Rest your elbow on a table with
the hand held up at face height.
Support your forearm by
holding with your other hand.
Keep your forearm still whilst
moving your hand from side to
side to perform the ‘Queen’s
wave’.
Prayer:
With your forearms resting on a
table, push palms together to
perform the ‘prayer’ position.
Hold for 10 seconds.
How are Colles fractures managed?
Most wrist fractures are managed in a light plaster cast. Some
fractures require manipulation under anaesthetic before the
plaster is applied. This ensures the best alignment of the
bones for healing.
Some complex fractures may require surgical repair to realign
the bones. This may mean a plate and screws fitted to the
bone internally or an external fixator. An external fixator is a
series of plates and screws forming a framework to hold the
bones together from the outside of the forearm
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Getting your change in the shop:
Keep your elbow bent and
tucked into your side.
Turn your hand over so the palm
faces the ceiling (ensure elbow
is kept still) and then twist wrist
so palm faces the floor.
Repeat 10 times
Physiotherapy exercises: perform 10 repetitions
of each exercise regularly throughout the day
How long is the plaster/external fixator worn?
A wrist fracture requires 4-8 weeks of protection to allow the
bones to unite and the soft tissues to heal.
Move your thumb to touch
the tip of each finger.
Once the plaster has been removed it is important to exercise
the wrist and finger joints regularly to reduce joint discomfort
and restore movements and strength.
What symptoms could I experience when my
plaster /external fixator is removed?
Curl fingers round to make a
fist and then fully straighten.
Place your hand on a table
with your hand relaxed over
the edge of the table.
Move your wrist up and down
as far as you can.
You can also use your other
hand to give a little stretch.
It is normal for the wrist to feel uncomfortable, achy and stiff
after the plaster has been removed. The following symptoms
are common
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Discomfort
Altered shape of the wrist
Swelling
Stiffness
Weakness
Tingling, pins & needles, numbness
Dry skin
Dark hairs
Discoloration
How long before I can return to work?
What can I do to help Myself?
This will depend on the type of work you do and your
consultant or physiotherapist will advise you.
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Research has shown that taking regular pain relief
helps patients to perform more effective physiotherapy
exercises. This helps patients to get better quicker.
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When resting, keep your arm elevated on pillows to
reduce the swelling.
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Hot and cold contrast water baths are useful to reduce
swelling and discomfort. Fill one bowl with water as hot
as you are able to tolerate and another with ice cold
water.
Place hand in cold water for 2 minutes and then
immediately place into the hot water for 2 minutes.
Repeat this procedure 3 times ending in cold water.
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Soak your hand in warm, soapy water. Rub the skin
gently and pat dry. Massage baby oil or moisturising
cream into the skin.
Caution
Do not attempt heavy work for at least 6 weeks after your
plaster/external fixator is removed or until advised by your
consultant or physiotherapist.
Will I need physiotherapy?
Your consultant will advise you if you need physiotherapy.
This depends on the severity of your injury and not everybody
needs individual physiotherapy. Most patients make a full
recovery by following the exercises and recommendations
within this booklet.
Exercise
Exercise is a very important part of your rehabilitation. The
discomfort in your wrist will reduce with exercise but your wrist
is likely to ache until your wrist is fully mobile. Perform
exercises slowly and gently to begin with.
Should your symptoms worsen significantly please contact the
Physiotherapy Department or your GP.
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