A break around the end of the main bone of the forearm is referred to as colles fracture. Colles fracture is a complete fracture that occurs when bones become brittle with age, most commonly due to osteoporosis and menopause.
The mechanism behind colles fracture is like most fractures a fall, but in this the fall specifically is followed by the person trying to break the fall by throwing his/her hands in front of him. This makes the hands and arms as the only support to bear the whole weight of the person. This increased tension over the ulna and radius bone can cause them to give away under the pressure resulting in the fracture. After the fracture the wrist becomes extended and shortened or straightened which helps the physician in visually making a diagnosis before the radiographs are taken to confirm it. There are multiple options available for the treatment that is both non-surgical and surgical.