Change in bone mass after Colles' fracture - A case report on unique data collection and long-term implications

The purpose of this case report was to describe changes in bone mass in dif ferent skeletal sites triggered by Colles' fracture. The case is unique reg arding the existence of baseline measurements taken just a few days before the fracture on all measurable skeletal sites, including the fractured radi us. The patient was a healthy, premenopausal woman, who fractured her non-d ominant wrist after a fall. The arm was immobilized to the elbow for 5 week s. Bone mass was measured at baseline, 5, 10, 13, 21, and 52 weeks post-inj ury. Upon plaster removal, there was a notable increase in bone mass in all sites of ulna and radius of the injured forearm (10%-73%). followed by the apparent decline to or below the baseline at all follow-up measurements. O ther skeletal sites were measured at 10 weeks when substantial decrease in spine and hip bone mass was noticed, most notably in L3-L4. Ward's, and fem oral neck (2%-8%). and remained such after 1 year. Although this patient ha d no previous osteopenia, the trauma caused long-standing bone loss in frac ture-prone areas. The changes in bone mass after wrist fracture should be m onitored carefully and more elaborate treatment might be needed to prevent any potential risk for later fractures.