FRACTURES

Fractures

100

BOXER's Fracture

4th(ring knuckle) and 5th(pinky knuckle) METACARPALS

Often occurs from punching something with a closed fist.

200

BENNETT's Fracture

"Tony Bennett"

affects 1st(thumb knuckle) METACARPAL

extends into CARPOMETACARPAL joint (wrist joint of thumb)

Common with punches or falling onto thumb while EXTENDED

300

COLLE's Fracture

"dinner fork" or "bayonet"

Distal RADIUS is broken with DORSAL displacement of wrist & hand

Common with forward falls with an outstretched hand.

400

SMITH's Fracture

Distal RADIUS but with VENTRAL displacement of broken RADIUS head

Cause is the same as Colle's fracture (punches or falls with extended wrist/hand but LESS common.

Orthoses

100

BOXER fracture

• Orthosis: Ulnar Gutter Splint

• This splint immobilizes the ring and little fingers, as well as the wrist, in a functional position (slight wrist extension and finger flexion), helping to align the bones and prevent movement that could impair healing. It's used typically for around 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture.

200

Time frame for Ulnar Gutter Splint for BOXER's fracture

• Generally worn 3-6 weeks.
• After 3 weeks, the orthosis may be removed for exercises, but protection may still be required during activities. Full healing usually occurs by 6 weeks, but this depends on the severity and displacement of the fracture.

300

BENNET's fracture

• Orthosis: Thumb Spica Splint
• This orthosis immobilizes the thumb and wrist, while allowing the other fingers to move freely. It stabilizes the thumb in abduction and prevents stress on the fracture site. The thumb is immobilized in a position of slight flexion and abduction to avoid further displacement of the fracture.

400

Time frame for Thumb Spica Splint for Bennett's fracture

• Worn 4-6 weeks, with possible transition to a removable splint for exercises after about 3-4 weeks.
• The thumb may require additional support after the initial healing phase, depending on how stable the fracture is.

500

Colles' Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture with Dorsal Displacement)

• Orthosis: VOLAR Wrist Splint
• A volar wrist orthosis keeps the wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position, protecting the distal radius while allowing functional movement of the fingers. In some cases, a circumferential wrist splint may be used to fully immobilize the wrist joint for better protection during early healing.

600

Time frame for VOLAR Wrist Splint for COLLE's fracture

Time Frame:

• Typically worn for 4-6 weeks, depending on the fracture's complexity.
• After about 3-4 weeks, a removable splint may be considered for specific exercises, but continuous immobilization may be needed for longer periods in some cases, particularly if there is significant displacement.

700

Smith's Fracture (Distal Radius Fracture with Volar Displacement)

• Orthosis: DORSAL Wrist Splint
• For Smith’s fracture, a dorsal splint may be used, which immobilizes the wrist in a slightly flexed position to counteract the volar displacement. Similar to a Colles’ fracture, the goal is to protect the fracture site and limit wrist motion while allowing finger function.

800

Time frame for DORSAL Wrist Splint for SMITH's fracture

Time Frame:

• Similar to a Colles’ fracture, the orthosis is worn for about 4-6 weeks.
• The specific time depends on the extent of the displacement. Follow-up X-rays often determine the duration of immobilization, with longer durations in more severe cases.

900

Is a Smith's fracture a DORSAL Radius fracture OR a VOLAR Radius fracture?

DORSAL Radius fracture

1000

Is a Colle's fracture a DORSAL Radius fracture OR a VOLAR Radius fracture?

DORSAL Radius fracture

1100

Does a Smith's fracture have DORSAL displacement OR VOLAR displacement?

VOLAR displacement (less common)

1200

Does a Colle's fracture have DORSAL displacement OR VOLAR displacement?

DORSAL displacement