This is a common fracture in elderly patients, consisting of a transverse fracture of the distal radial metaphysis proximal to the joint with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment and volar dislocation. It results from a fall on an outstretched hand. The ulnar styloid is commonly fractured as well. Another name is the Pouteau fracture.

A	Scaphoid deviated radiograph of the wrist. This view shows fractures of metacarpals three and four and an impacted fracture of the distal radius.
B	Lateral radiograph of the wrist. This shows the typical appearance of Colles fracture with dorsal tilt of the distal radial fracture fragment.
C	PA radiograph of the wrist. This demonstrates an impacted fracture of the radius.

Links to online textbooks:

• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of Colles fracture

Links to online cases:

• Eatonhand.com
• Amirmd.com

References:

• Rosenthal DI, Schwartz M, Phillips WC, Jupiter J: Fracture of the radius with instability of the wrist AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1983 Jul;141(1):113-6.           [See related articles]
• Gupta R, Raheja A, Modi U: Colles' fracture: management by percutaneous crossed-pin fixation versus plaster of Paris cast immobilization Orthopedics. 1999 Jul;22(7):680-2.           [See related articles]