A Colles fracture is a common wrist injury involving displaced bone fragments. Correcting these fractures requires specialist skills to realign the bone fragments precisely so nerve and blood flow are protected promptly. Proper treatment can prevent lifelong complications and avoid the need for invasive surgeries under general anaesthestic.

Currently, staff at HHFT Emergency Departments (RHCH and BNHH) and the Andover Minor Injuries Unit learn this procedure only through treating real patients, often requiring repeated attempts to achieve the correct alignment. This can lead to increased patient discomfort and a higher likelihood of surgery.

The introduction of a Training Limb will allow staff to practice and refine their skills before treating patients, significantly improving patient care and will also ensure more qualified staff are available, particularly during winter months when wrist fractures are more common.

Key Benefits

For Patients:

• More staff available reducing treatment delays and waiting times.
• Better outcomes, preventing the need for surgery
• Lower risk of complications, preserving nerve and blood flow.

For the NHS:

• Cost savings, as fewer patients will require invasive surgery.

With 500-700 Colles Fracture patients treated annually across HHFT, the introduction of a Training Limb will benefit hundreds of patients each year.