Fracture Colles Rehabilitation Advice Following Wrist-

7/28/2019 Fracture Colles Rehabilitation Advice Following Wrist-

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Further information

If you require any further information after reading this leaflet,please contact:

Warwick Hospital Physiotherapy DepartmentTel: 01926 608068

Stratford Hospital Physiotherapy DepartmentTel: 01789 205831 ext 5229

SWH00516Revision no.2:Date: March 2011Revision Date march 2013Author: Outpatient Physiotherapy Team Leader

PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT

Rehabilitation Advice

Following Wrist (Colles)

Fracture

As a key provider of acute healthcare and asan employer, the Trust has a statutoryobligation to promote and respect equality andhuman rights. This is set out in various piecesof legislation including: Race Relations(Amendment) Act 2000, DisabilityDiscrimination Act (2005), Sex DiscriminationAct (1975) and the Age Discrimination Act(2006)

Our information for patients can also be madeavailable in other languages, Braille, audiotape, disc or in large print.

PALSWe offer a Patient Advice Liaison Service(PALS). This is a confidential service forfamilies to help with any questions or concernsabout local health services.You can contact the service by the directtelephone line on 01926 600 054 or using thephone links which are available in bothhospitals or calling in at the office located inthe main entrance at Warwick Hospital.



What is a Colles fracture?

A broken wrist is common following a fall on an outstretchedhand. A ‘Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the radius bone of the

forearm, just above the wrist. Symptoms include a great dealof wrist pain, a "dinner fork" deformity, wrist swelling and aninability to use the wrist and hand.

How are Colles fractures managed?

Most wrist fractures are managed in a light plaster cast. Somefractures require manipulation under anaesthetic before the

plaster is applied. This ensures the best alignment of thebones for healing.Some complex fractures may require surgical repair to realignthe bones. This may mean a plate and screws fitted to thebone internally or an external fixator. An external fixator is aseries of plates and screws forming a framework to hold thebones together from the outside of the forearm

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Exercises Continued:

The Queen’s wave:Rest your elbow on a table with

the hand held up at face height.Support your forearm byholding with your other hand.Keep your forearm still whilstmoving your hand from side toside to perform the ‘Queen’swave’.

Getting your change in the shop:Keep your elbow bent andtucked into your side.Turn your hand over so the palmfaces the ceiling (ensure elbowis kept still) and then twist wrist

so palm faces the floor.

Repeat 10 times

Prayer:With your forearms resting on atable, push palms together toperform the ‘prayer’ position.Hold for 10 seconds.



Physiotherapy exercises: perform 10 repetitionsof each exercise regularly throughout the day

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How long is the plaster/external fixator worn?

A wrist fracture requires 4-8 weeks of protection to allow thebones to unite and the soft tissues to heal.

Once the plaster has been removed it is important to exercisethe wrist and finger joints regularly to reduce joint discomfortand restore movements and strength.

What symptoms could I experience when myplaster /external fixator is removed?

It is normal for the wrist to feel uncomfortable, achy and stiffafter the plaster has been removed. The following symptomsare common

• Discomfort

• Altered shape of the wrist

• Swelling• Stiffness

• Weakness

• Tingling, pins & needles, numbness

• Dry skin

• Dark hairs

• Discoloration

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Move your thumb to touchthe tip of each finger.

Curl fingers round to make afist and then fully straighten.

Place your hand on a tablewith your hand relaxed overthe edge of the table.Move your wrist up and downas far as you can.You can also use your otherhand to give a little stretch.



How long before I can return to work?

This will depend on the type of work you do and yourconsultant or physiotherapist will advise you.

Caution

Do not attempt heavy work for at least 6 weeks after yourplaster/external fixator is removed or until advised by yourconsultant 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 everybodyneeds individual physiotherapy. Most patients make a fullrecovery by following the exercises and recommendationswithin this booklet.

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What can I do to help Myself?

• Research has shown that taking regular pain reliefhelps patients to perform more effective physiotherapyexercises. This helps patients to get better quicker.

• When resting, keep your arm elevated on pillows toreduce the swelling.

• Hot and cold contrast water baths are useful to reduceswelling and discomfort. Fill one bowl with water as hot

as you are able to tolerate and another with ice coldwater.Place hand in cold water for 2 minutes and thenimmediately place into the hot water for 2 minutes.Repeat this procedure 3 times ending in cold water.

• Soak your hand in warm, soapy water. Rub the skingently and pat dry. Massage baby oil or moisturisingcream into the skin.

Exercise

Exercise is a very important part of your rehabilitation. Thediscomfort in your wrist will reduce with exercise but your wrist

is likely to ache until your wrist is fully mobile. Performexercises slowly and gently to begin with.

Should your symptoms worsen significantly please contact thePhysiotherapy Department or your GP.

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Fracture Colles Rehabilitation Advice Following Wrist-