How can you tell the difference between a Colles fracture and a Smith?
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How can you tell the difference between a Colles fracture and a Smith?
If you’re diagnosed with a Colles fracture, the broken piece of your wrist bone (radius) points backward. Smith fractures are the opposite: The broken end of your bone points forward.
How is a Colles fracture diagnosed?
Colles’ fracture diagnosis Your doctor may be able to tell that you’ve fractured your wrist based on a physical exam. With these types of fractures, the wrist may bend in an awkward way or look abnormal. Often, your doctor will order an x-ray to confirm the condition, location, and severity of the break.
How do you tell if you have a Bennett fracture?
Symptoms of Bennett’s fracture
- Severe pain and weakness of the thumb.
- Swelling of the base of the thumb and back of the hand.
- Bruising.
- Misalignment of the thumb.
- Trouble moving the thumb.
- Numbness or coldness in thumb.
Do you need a cast for a fractured elbow?
Displaced fractures may require surgery to put pins in the bones to hold them in place. A supracondylar elbow fracture will require cast and sling while the fracture heals. If surgery was required, the cast will be a full cast. If surgery was not required, it will be a backslab (partial cast with bandages).
How long do you have to wear a sling for a fractured elbow?
If you have a small fracture and your bones did not move around much, you will likely wear a splint or sling that supports your arm, elbow, and forearm. You will probably need to wear this for at least 2 to 3 weeks. If your break is more severe, you may need to see a bone doctor (orthopedic surgeon).
Is a cast better than a splint?
Splints, also known as half-casts, provide less support than casts, but are faster and easier to use. They also can be tightened or loosened easily if the swelling in the arm or leg increases or decreases. Ready-made or off-the-shelf splints are available in many different sizes and shapes.
Where is a Colles fracture located?
A Colles fracture is a break in the radius close to the wrist. It was named for the surgeon who first described it. Typically, the break is located about an inch (2.5 centimeters) below where the bone joins the wrist. A Colles fracture is a common fracture that happens more often in women than men.
What is the Colles fracture?
What does a Bennett fracture look like?
Symptoms of Bennett’s fracture Swelling of the base of the thumb and back of the hand. Bruising. Misalignment of the thumb. Trouble moving the thumb.
How painful is a Bennett fracture?
Symptoms will be similar to other wrist and hand fractures: Immediate and severe pain over the thumb side of the wrist. There will be rapid swelling and bruising may develop.
