The aim of this study was to assess patient-based outcome two years following non-operative management of displaced Colles fractures. 100 patients were evaluated at a minimum of two years after displaced Colles fracture. Fractures were reduced under regional anaesthesia and immobilised in a Colles-type cast for five weeks. The fractures were assessed radiographically by measurement of radial angle, dorsal tilt, radial shortening and carpal malalignment at the time of injury, post-manipulation, and after one and five weeks. The fractures were classified according to Frykman classification. A validated patient-based outcome questionnaire, using a visual analogue score, was used to assess outcome at the end of two years. 7 patients had died, 8 patients were unable to complete the questionnaire because of confusion and 5 were lost to follow-up. Complete outcome data were available on 80 patients. The median age was 61 years. The median pain score was 5 (25%-2 and 75%-12, range 0–100). There was loss of reduction, with more than 5° dorsal angulation and/or 5mm radial shortening in 70% cases. We found that age had no effect on patient outcome except that patients over 50 years complained of more finger stiffness The Frykman classification was an important prognostic factor and a higher grade resulted in worse outcome in a number of areas. Dorsal angulation had no significant effect and carpal malalignment correlated with poor visual appearance. Radial angle and radial shortening were both associated with increased complaints of wrist pain and stiffness This prospective patient based outcome study has demonstrated that patients make a good functional recovery following nonoperative management of Colles fracture. 70% of our patients had a poor radiological outcome but few reported problems with pain and function at 2 years. Extra-articular malunion due to radial angulation and shortening was common and correlated with wrist pain and stiffness at two years. Frykman classification correlated with pain and functional outcome.
