Cast immobilization is non-inferior to volar locking plates in relation to QuickDASH after one year in patients aged 65 years and older: a randomized controlled trial of displaced distal radius fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255
Author(s):  
Sondre Stafsnes Hassellund ◽  
John Håkon Williksen ◽  
Marit Mjelde Laane ◽  
Are Pripp ◽  
Carina Paulsen Rosales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
Wrist Function ◽  
One Year

Aims To compare operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged over 65 years. Methods A total of 100 patients were randomized in this non-inferiority trial, comparing cast immobilization with operation with a volar locking plate. Patients with displaced AO/OTA A and C fractures were eligible if one of the following were found after initial closed reduction: 1) dorsal angulation > 10°; 2) ulnar variance > 3 mm; or 3) intra-articular step-off > 2 mm. Primary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) after 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), EuroQol-5 dimensions 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, “satisfaction with wrist function” (score 0 to 10), and complications. Results In all, 89 women and 11 men were included. Mean age was 74 years (65 to 91). Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operation with a five-point difference in median QuickDASH after 12 months (p = 0.206). After three and six months QuickDASH favoured the operative group (p = 0.010 and 0.030). Median values for PRWHE were 19 (interquartile range (IRQ) 10 to 32) in the operative group versus ten (IQR 1 to 31) in the nonoperative group at three months (p = 0.064), nine (IQR 2 to 20) versus five (IQR 0 to 13) (p = 0.020) at six months, and two (IQR 0 to 12) versus zero (IQR 0 to 8) (p = 0.019) after 12 months. Range of motion was similar between the groups. The EQ-5D-5L index score was better (mean difference 0.07) in the operative group at three and 12 months (p = 0.008 and 0.020). The complication rate was similar (p = 0.220). The operated patients were more satisfied with wrist function (median 8 (IQR 6 to 9) vs 6 (IQR 5 to 7) at three months, p = 0.002; 9 (IQR 7 to 9) vs 8 (IQR 6 to 8) at six months, p = 0.002; and 10 (IQR 8 to 10) vs 8 (IQR 7 to 9) at 12 months, p < 0.001). Conclusion Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operative treatment based on QuickDASH after one year. Patients in the operative group had a faster recovery and were more satisfied with wrist function. Results from previous trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly vary between favouring the operative group and showing similar results between the treatments. This randomized trial suggests that most elderly patients may be treated nonoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):247–255.

Immediate mobilization of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar locking plate results in a better short-term outcome than a five week immobilization: A prospective randomized trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110366
Author(s):  
Stefan Quadlbauer ◽  
Christoph Pezzei ◽  
Josef Jurkowitsch ◽  
Brigitta Kolmayr ◽  
Daniel Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
One Year ◽  
Immediate Mobilization

Objective: To evaluate the impact of immediate (first day after surgery) mobilization compared to standard five weeks cast immobilization on the functional outcome after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Design: Prospective randomized parallel group comparative trial. Setting: Trauma Hospital, Austria. Participants: Patients with isolated unstable distal radius fractures, stabilized with volar angular stable locking plate. Interventions: The immediate mobilization group received a removable forearm splint for one week and active supervised group physiotherapy and home exercises for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers from the first postoperative day. The cast immobilization group received a non-removable cast for five weeks. In the first five weeks supervised group physiotherapy and home exercises were performed for shoulder, elbow, and fingers. Thereafter additional supervised and home exercises for the wrist were started. Main measures: At regular intervals of six and nine weeks, three and six months, and one year post surgery range of motion, grip strength, and x-rays were evaluated. Additionally, the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand ( QuickDASH) score, Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation, Mayo Wrist score, and pain according to the Visual Analog Scale score were analyzed. Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively randomized into two study groups. At the one-year follow-up, patients in the immediate mobilization group showed a significantly higher range of motion in extension/flexion (mean difference 10.2°, 99% confidence interval 0.6–19.8), grip strength (mean difference 5.1 kg, 99% confidence interval −0.5 to 10.7), and Mayo Wrist score (mean difference 7.9 points, 99% confidence interval 2.3–13.5) than the cast immobilization group. Range of motion in supination/pronation (mean difference 13.4°, 99% confidence interval 1.5–25.3) and in radial/ulnar deviation (mean difference 6.3°, 99% confidence interval 0.9–11.7) differed significantly up to nine weeks favoring the immediate mobilization group. The Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation revealed significantly better scores after three months (mean difference 9.3 points, 99% confidence interval 0.5–18.1) and QuickDASH after six months (mean difference 7.3 points, 99% confidence interval 0.3–14.3) in the immediate mobilization group. All other subsequent follow-up examinations indicated no significant differences in respect of pain, range of motion, and patient-reported outcome measurements between the study groups. There were no significant differences in respect of radiological loss of reduction and complications between the groups. Conclusions: Immediate mobilization in combination with supervised physiotherapy of the wrist after volar locking plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures results in a significantly improved range of motion and grip strength after one year compared to cast immobilization. No increased risk for loss of reduction and other complications was observed.

Recovery of Wrist Function after Volar Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 199-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naohide Takeuchi ◽  
Shunsuke Hotokezaka ◽  
Takamitsu Okada ◽  
Hidehiko Yuge ◽  
Takao Mae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Wrist Function ◽  
One Year

Background: The purpose of our present study was to examine the recovery of the postoperative wrist function, and to compare the range of motion among each direction ofthe wrist joint during the same time periods after surgery for distal radius fractures.Methods: Twenty patients treated with a volar locking plate were evaluated. The active range of motion and grip strength were assessed at four weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and one year after surgery.Results: The ratio of the range of motion in pronation and supination recovered significantly earlier than for any other directions within six months after surgery (p = 0.0205), however, the ratio of the range of motion among the six directions was not significantly different at one year after surgery (p = 0.0823). The recovery of the range of motion in flexion was 96.8% compared with the contralateral wrist at one year after surgery, and it was not significantly lower than that in extension, radial deviation or ulnar deviation (97.8%, 93.5%, 94.4%, respectively). The grip strength of dominant hand recovered from 50% after four weeks to 66% after six weeks, 83% after three months, 91% after six months and 106% at the examination performed after one year compared with the uninjured non-dominant hand. The grip strength of non-dominant hand recovered from 52% after four weeks to 59% after six weeks, 79% after three months, 84% after six months and 94% at the examination performed after one year compared with the uninjured dominant hand. The mean DASH score was 5.3.Conclusions: The range of motion in flexion can achieve similar improvement to that in the other directions by obtaining the appropriate postoperative parameters. The optimal postoperative radiographic parameters were thus identified to be essential for successfully obtaining a recovery of the wrist function for unstable distal radius fractures.

scholarly journals A Randomized Trial Assessing the Muscle Strength and Range of Motion in Elderly Patients Following Distal Radius Fractures Treated With 4- and 6-Week Cast Immobilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5774
Author(s):  
Jarosław Olech ◽  
Grzegorz Konieczny ◽  
Łukasz Tomczyk ◽  
Piotr Morasiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
The Mean

Background: There is no consensus among orthopedic surgeons as to the required period of cast immobilization in distal radius fractures in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to assess muscle strength and range of motion symmetry in elderly patients after distal radius fractures with different periods of cast immobilization. Methods: This study evaluated 50 patients (33 women and 17 men), aged over 65 years, after cast immobilization treatment for distal radius fracture. The mean age at the beginning of treatment was 71 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 1 year and 3 months. The first subgroup (n = 24) comprised the patients whose fractures had been immobilized in a cast for 6 weeks, another subgroup (n = 26) comprised the patients with 4-week cast immobilization. We assessed: 1) muscle strength, 2) range of motion. Results: The mean grip strength in the treated limb was 71% and 81% of that in the healthy limb in the groups with 4-week and 6-week cast immobilization, respectively (p = 0.0432). The study groups showed no differences in the mean grip strength in the treated limbs or the mean grip strength in the healthy limbs. The mean treated limb flexion was 62° and 75° in the 4-week and 6-week immobilization groups, respectively (p = 0.025). The evaluated groups showed no differences in terms of any other range of motion parameters. The grip strength and range of motion values were significantly lower in the treated limb than in the healthy limb in both evaluated groups. Only the values of wrist radial deviation in the 6-week cast immobilization group showed no differences between the treated and healthy limbs. Conclusion: Higher values of injured limb muscle strength and greater mean range of wrist flexion were achieved in the 6-week subgroup. Neither of the evaluated groups achieved a symmetry of muscle strength or range of motion after treatment. Full limb function did not return in any of the elderly distal radius fracture patients irrespective of cast immobilization duration.

Comparison of rehabilitation interventions in nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tim Coughlin ◽  
Alan R. Norrish ◽  
Brigitte E. Scammell ◽  
Paul A. Matthews ◽  
Jessica Nightingale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

Aims Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, rehabilitation facilitated by advice leaflet and advice video were compared to a course of face-to-face therapy. Methods Adults with an isolated, nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture were included at six weeks post-cast removal. Participants were randomized to delivery of rehabilitation interventions in one of three ways: an advice leaflet; an advice video; or face-to-face therapy session(s). The primary outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at six weeks post intervention and secondary outcome measures included DASH at one year, DASH work subscale, grip strength, and range of motion at six weeks and one year. Results A total of 116 (97%) of 120 enrolled participants commenced treatment. Of those, 21 were lost to follow-up, resulting in 30 participants in the advice leaflet, 32 in the advice video, and 33 face-to-face therapy arms, respectively at six weeks of follow-up. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the DASH at six weeks (advice leaflet vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.69; advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.56; advice leaflet vs advice video, p = 0.37; advice leaflet vs advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.63). At six weeks, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures except for the DASH work subscale, where face-to-face therapy conferred benefit over advice leaflet (p = 0.01). Conclusion Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, offering an advice leaflet or advice video for rehabilitation gives equivalent patient-reported outcomes to a course of face-to-face therapy.

scholarly journals Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: Functional Outcomes and Complication Rates with a Minimum of One Year Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (05) ◽  
pp. 358-365
Author(s):  
Kastanis G ◽  
Pantouvaki A ◽  
Kapsetakis P ◽  
Spyrantis M ◽  
Magarakis G ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
One Year ◽  
Quick Dash

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common type of fractures of the upper extremities with an incidence of 44% of all types of forearm and hand fractures. In unstable DRF, the aim of surgical treatment is to restore a functional wrist. Volar locking plate is supported in literature as a promising surgical method in treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study is to analyze the type and complication rate with applied volar locking plate, the percentage of revision surgery and the functional outcomes in a minimum of one year follow up. Material &Methods: 104 fractures in 98 patients with a mean range of 48,5 years-old age underwent for unstable distal radius fractures with volar locking plate. The main cause was simple fall to an outstretched hand. In ten cases the fracture was open while in 28 cases the DRF was accompanied with ulnar styloid. All fractures classified by AO/OTA in A2-3 27 cases, B1-3 in 45 and C1-3 in 32 cases. The majority of patients were operated within 48-72 hours after injury. In all cases an extended flexor carpi radialis approach was performed and a volar locking plate was applied in all DRF’s. In sixteen cases with base of ulnar styloid fractures, low profile locking plates were applied, while in the rest of patients Kirschner wires were used. Postoperatively all patients followed a standard protocol rehabilitation program with passive and active motion of fingers and wrist. Results: Patients were evaluated according to complication (type and rate), time to fracture union, range of motion, Visual analogue pain scale, Quick Dash Score and patients-rated wrist evaluation score. Complications were distinguished in major and minor. Patients under 60 years-old with type fracture A2-3 and B1-3 showed better range of motion and grip strength than patients over 65 years old. In cases with type fractures C1-3 and age over 65 years old, ROM and grip strength decreased compared with the unilateral side. The percentage of complication and reoperation appeared more increased in type C1-3 related to the other two types of fractures. Finally the mean Quick DASH was 11,1±12,8, RPWE was 9.8±13,6 and the range of motion was in extension 75,2±7,3, in flexion 74±8,9, in pronation 85,6±1,9, in supination 88,5±2,4 in radial deviation 9,8±1,2 and in ulnar deviation 41,1±4,6 and grip strength was an average of 84,7% of uninjured hand. Conclusion: Unstable fractures required operative treatment with volar locking plate to be the gold standard in recently years. Unfortunately VPL presents postoperative complications related with plate and screw position with comminuted fracture or soft tissue damage which cannot be ignored, and for these reasons may be inadequate for all types of distal radius fractures.

Predictors of Management of Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Aged >65 Years

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110172
Author(s):  
Amanda Walsh ◽  
Nelson Merchan ◽  
David N. Bernstein ◽  
Bailey Ingalls ◽  
Carl M. Harper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Total N ◽  
Fracture Characteristics ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Comorbidity Index

Background Treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in patients aged >65 years is controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify what patient and fracture characteristics may influence the decision to pursue surgical versus nonsurgical treatment in patients aged >65 years sustaining a DRF. Methods We queried our institutional DRF database for patients aged >65 years who presented to a single academic, tertiary center hand clinic over a 5-year period. In all, 164 patients treated operatively were identified, and 162 patients treated nonoperatively during the same time period were selected for comparison (total N = 326). Demographic variables and fracture-specific variables were recorded. Patient and fracture characteristics between the groups were compared to determine which variables were associated with each treatment modality (operative or nonoperative). Results The average age in our cohort was 72 (SD: 11) years, and 274 patients (67%) were women. The average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 4.1 (SD: 2.1). The CCI is a validated tool that predicts 1-year mortality based on patient age and a list of 22 weighted comorbidities. Factors associated with operative treatment in our population were largely related to the severity of the injury and included increasing dorsal tilt (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.12; P < .001) and AO Classification type C fractures (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 2.35-11.61; P < .001). Increasing CCI was the only factor independently associated with nonoperative management (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.997; P = .046). Conclusion Fracture severity is a strong driver in the decision to pursue operative management in patients aged >65 years, whereas increasing CCI predicts nonoperative treatment.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
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

scholarly journals Surgical treatment is not cost-effective compared to nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients 65 years and over

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034
Author(s):  
Sondre Hassellund ◽  
Zinajda Zolic-Karlsson ◽  
John Håkon Williksen ◽  
Torstein Husby ◽  
Jan Erik Madsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Operative Treatment ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Life Years

Aims The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 patients were randomized to each group. We prospectively collected data on resource use during the first year post-fracture, and estimated costs of initial treatment, further operations, physiotherapy, home nursing, and production loss. Health-related quality of life was based on the Euro-QoL five-dimension, five-level (EQ-5D-5L) utility index, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated. Results The mean QALYs were 0.05 higher in the operative group during the first 12 months (p = 0.260). The healthcare provider costs were €1,533 higher per patient in the operative group: €3,589 in the operative group and 2,056 in the nonoperative group. With a suggested willingness to pay of €27,500 per QALY there was a 45% chance for operative treatment to be cost-effective. For both groups, the main costs were related to the primary treatment. The primary surgery was the main driver of the difference between the groups. The costs related to loss of production were high in both groups, despite high rates of retirement. Retirement rate was unevenly distributed between the groups and was not included in the analysis. Conclusion Surgical treatment was not cost-effective in patients aged 65 years and older compared to nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in a healthcare perspective. Costs related to loss of production might change this in the future if the retirement age increases. Level of evidence: II Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1027–1034.

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