Colles' Fracture Complications Explained

A Colles' fracture involves a break in the distal radius, typically with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment.

While several complications can arise from a Colles' fracture, certain ones are more frequent than others.

Common Complications of Colles' Fracture

• Malunion: This occurs when the fractured bone heals in an anatomically incorrect position. For Colles' fractures, this often means the distal radius heals with residual dorsal angulation and shortening, potentially leading to wrist deformity and dysfunction. It is widely considered the most common complication.
• Delayed union: The fracture takes longer than usual to heal.
• Non-union: The fracture fails to heal completely.
• Sudeck's osteodystrophy (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome - CRPS): A painful, disabling condition affecting an arm or leg, often occurring after an injury or surgery. While serious, it's not typically the most frequent complication compared to malunion.

Given the nature of the injury, achieving perfect anatomical reduction can be challenging, making malunion a frequent outcome if not managed correctly. Therefore, malunion is identified as the most common complication.