How Do Physicians Diagnose a ʺColles Fractureʺ of the Radius

question 60

Multiple Choice

How do physicians diagnose a ʺColles fractureʺ of the radius (fracture near the distal epiphysis) using surface anatomy?

• A) They palpate the styloid process of the radius and find that it has moved proximally from its normal position.
• B) They ask the patient to flex the forearm against resistance and then look for any bulges that formed.
• C) They extend the forearm, place three fingers in the lateral dimple, and ask the patient to rotate the hand as if turning a doorknob.
• D) They ask the patient to extend the thumb of the affected hand and to point it posteriorly, and then they look for the formation of a triangle on the back of the hand.

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Definitions:

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