A Colles fracture involves the radius.

A Colles fracture involves the radius.

• A. Ulna
• B. Tibia
• C. Radius
• D. Fibula

Answer: (C)

A Colles fracture is a fracture of the distal radius, typically with the distal fragment tilting backward (dorsally) after a fall on an outstretched hand. Since the wrist joints hinge mainly on the distal radius and the carpal bones, this injury most characteristically involves the radius, not the ulna or bones of the leg. The ulna can be involved in forearm injuries, but the classic pattern is a distal radius fracture. Tibia and fibula are leg bones, so they aren’t relevant to this wrist injury.

A Colles fracture is a fracture of the distal radius, typically with the distal fragment tilting backward (dorsally) after a fall on an outstretched hand. Since the wrist joints hinge mainly on the distal radius and the carpal bones, this injury most characteristically involves the radius, not the ulna or bones of the leg. The ulna can be involved in forearm injuries, but the classic pattern is a distal radius fracture. Tibia and fibula are leg bones, so they aren’t relevant to this wrist injury.