A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications of Treating Unstable Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are a common injury, especially in the elderly. Displaced fractures can be reduced by closed reduction through several techniques, two of which are compared in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Closed reduction by finger-trap traction (FTT) seems to offer better correction of radial shortening. Additionally, there may be less pain and fewer complications associated with this technique. Closed reduction by manual traction seems to offer better correction of the dorsal tilt. Further research is needed to fully determine the optimal method of closed reduction. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:114-120.DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170063

Download Full-text

Volar locking plate vs epibloc system for distal radius fractures in the elderly

Injury ◽

10.1016/j.injury.2016.07.056 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 ◽

pp. S84-S90 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Giuseppe Solarino ◽

Giovanni Vicenti ◽

Antonella Abate ◽

Massimiliano Carrozzo ◽

Girolamo Picca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Locking Plate ◽

The Elderly ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Locking Plate ◽

Radius Fractures

Download Full-text

Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ◽

10.5435/jaaos-d-15-00676 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 179-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

L. Scott Levin ◽

Joshua C. Rozell ◽

Nicholas Pulos

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

The Elderly ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures

Download Full-text

Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Women Older than 80 Years: A Preliminary Report of Functional and Radiographic Outcomes after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Journal of Hand and Microsurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1729439 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lili E. Schindelar ◽

Richard M. McEntee ◽

Robert E. Gallivan ◽

Brian Katt ◽

Pedro K. Beredjiklian

Keyword(s):

Internal Fixation ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Open Reduction ◽

The Elderly ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Implant Design ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Hardware Failures

Abstract Background Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in the elderly. The management of distal radius fractures in the elderly, especially patients older than 80 years, has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative treatment of distal radius fractures in patients older than 80 years to determine functional outcomes and complication rates. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients 80 years or older who were treated for a distal radius fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Medical records were reviewed for demographics, medical history, functional outcomes including quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH), radiographs, and postoperative complications. Results There were 40 patients included for review. Average age was 84 years. The preoperative qDASH score was 69. At 6 months follow-up, the postoperative qDASH score was 13 (p < 0.001). There were five (12.5%) complications reported postoperatively. All fractures healed with adequate radiographic alignment and there were no hardware failures. Conclusion Distal radius fractures in patients older than 80 years treated with ORIF have good functional outcomes and low complication rates. Increased functionality and independence of the elderly, as well as updated implant design can lead to the effective surgical management of these patients. When indicated from a clinical perspective, operative fixation of distal radius fractures should be considered in patients older than 80 years.

Download Full-text

Is a short arm cast appropriate for stable distal radius fractures in patients older than 55 years? A randomized prospective multicentre study

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193417690464 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 (5) ◽

pp. 487-492 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M. J. Park ◽

J. P. Kim ◽

H. I. Lee ◽

T. K. Lim ◽

H. S. Jung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multicentre Study ◽

Distal Radius Fracture ◽

Distal Radius ◽

The Elderly ◽

Plaster Cast ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fracture ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Cast Immobilization ◽

Level Of Evidence

We conducted a prospective randomized, multicentre study to compare short arm and long arm plaster casts for the treatment of stable distal radius fracture in patients older than 55 years. We randomly assigned patients over the age of 55 years who had stable distal radius fracture to either a short arm or long arm plaster cast at the first review 1 week after their injury. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 5, 12 and 24 weeks following their injury. Also, degree of disability caused by each cast immobilization was evaluated at the patient’s visit to remove the cast. There were no significant differences in radiological parameters between the groups except for volar tilt. Despite these differences in volar tilt, neither functional status as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, nor visual analogue scale was significantly different between the groups. However, the mean score of disability caused by plaster cast immobilization and the incidence rate of shoulder pain were significantly higher in patients who had a long plaster cast. Our findings suggest that a short arm cast is as effective as a long arm cast for stable distal radius fractures in the elderly. Furthermore, it is more comfortable and introduces less restriction on daily activities. Level of evidence: II

Download Full-text

Optimal screw length in volar locking plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures: a systematic review

ANZ Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1111/ans.17390 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rajitha Gunaratne ◽

Omid Nazifi ◽

Harry D'Souza ◽

Aaron Tay

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Plate Osteosynthesis ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Locking Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Screw Length ◽

Locking Plate Osteosynthesis

Download Full-text

The Effect of Socioeconomic Factors on Outcomes of Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review

Hand ◽

10.1177/1558944717735945 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 509-515 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jessica L. Truong ◽

Chris Doherty ◽

Nina Suh

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Socioeconomic Factors ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Full Text ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Full Text Screening

Background: Socioeconomic factors are known to affect outcomes for both medical and surgical conditions. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the current evidence regarding the effect of socioeconomic factors such as income, geographic location, educational level, and occupation on clinical outcomes after distal radius fractures. Methods: A systematic search strategy was performed to identify studies commenting on the effect of socioeconomic factors on clinical outcomes following open or closed distal radius fracture repair. Abstract and full-text screening was performed by 2 independent reviewers, and articles were evaluated by Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES). Treatment outcomes of interest included, but were not limited to, pain, function, range of motion, and grip strength. Results: There were 1745 studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria for abstract screening. Of these, 48 studies met our inclusion criteria for full-text screening and 20 studies met our criteria for quality analysis with the SEQES score. There were 3 studies of high quality, 16 of moderate quality, and 1 of low quality. Meta-analyses were not possible due to the variability in outcomes of interest across papers. Conclusions: Patient factors indicative of socioeconomic status are relevant predictors of functional outcome after distal radius fractures. There is currently limited evidence in this area of research, and further examination should be considered to improve outcomes from a patient and system standpoint.

Download Full-text