Which common fracture occurs in the upper extremity?

The Colles' fracture is a common fracture occurring in the upper extremity, particularly in individuals who experience falls onto an outstretched hand. It typically involves a fracture of the distal radius just above the wrist, characterized by dorsal angulation and often resulting in a "dinner fork" deformity of the wrist.

This type of fracture is especially prevalent in older adults with osteoporosis, as they are more susceptible to falls and fractures. The mechanism of injury—landing on an outstretched hand—along with the location makes it a hallmark injury in the context of upper extremity fractures. Recognizing the Colles' fracture is crucial for appropriate management, which may include immobilization, pain management, and sometimes surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the displacement.

While scaphoid fractures and greenstick fractures are also relevant, they are less commonly referenced in general discussions of upper extremity fractures compared to the Colles' fracture. Compression fractures typically pertain to vertebrae and do not fall into the classification of upper extremity fractures. Thus, the Colles’ fracture stands out as a significant and frequent injury associated with the upper extremity.