What is a Colles fracture?

A Colles fracture specifically refers to a fracture that occurs at the distal end of the radius, which is located near the wrist. This type of injury typically results from a fall onto an outstretched hand, leading to a characteristic fracture where the distal fragment of the radius tilts upward.

This specific alignment change allows for the typical diagnostic feature of a Colles fracture, which is often associated with a "dinner fork" or "bayonet" appearance on X-ray due to the dorsal angulation of the wrist. Recognizing this fracture is crucial for appropriate management and rehabilitation to restore wrist function and avoid potential complications.

The other choices describe different types of fractures that do not fit the definition of a Colles fracture. A fracture at the epiphysis of the femur pertains to a separate area of the body, a spinal fracture involves the vertebrae, and a hairline fracture of the skull indicates a non-displaced fracture in the cranial region. None of these options encapsulate the specific characteristics of a Colles fracture, reinforcing that the correct answer is indeed the fracture at the distal end of the radius.