X-RayMusculoskeletalIntroductory

Colles fracture

musculoskeletalwristtraumadistal radiusfragility fractureosteoporosis

Clinical presentation

Post-menopausal woman with a painful, deformed wrist after a fall onto an outstretched hand — a dinner-fork deformity.

Key imaging findings

  • Transverse fracture of the distal radial metaphysis
  • Dorsal angulation and dorsal displacement of the distal fragment
  • Radial shortening; frequent associated ulnar styloid fracture
  • Dinner-fork deformity on the lateral view

Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.

Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.