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.

scholarly journals Bridging versus Nonbridging Dynamic External Fixation of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly with Polytrauma: A Randomized Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (05) ◽  
pp. 408-415
Author(s):  
Marcio Aurelio Aita ◽  
Fabio Lucas Rodrigues ◽  
Karyse Helena Crispim Ribeiro Alves ◽  
Ricardo Kaempf de Oliveira ◽  
Gustavo Mantovani Ruggiero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
External Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Dynamic Fixation ◽  
The Mean

Background Despite the high prevalence of unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs), there is no consensus regarding the optimal method and treatment timing, especially for elderly patients with multiple associated injuries. Purpose This study aimed to compare the grip strength achieved with two different methods for definitive dynamic external fixation of DRFs in elderly patients with polytrauma operated on within the first 24 hours. Methods In this prospective randomized trial, 35 patients were assigned to undergo definitive external dynamic fixation of DRFs using the nonbridging (group A) or bridging (group B) method. The grip strength, range of motion (ROM), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) outcome measure, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and radiographic characteristics were evaluated at 6 and 12 months. Results At 12 months, no significant between-group difference was observed with respect to grip strength. All patients showed results in the third or fourth quartiles. The mean ROMs were 96.94 and 96.38% and the mean QuickDASH scores were 3.53 and 3.85 in groups A and B, respectively. The VAS scores were 1.60 and 1.85 in groups A and B, respectively. The overall complication rates were 13.3 and 15% in groups A and B, respectively. Initial fracture reduction was maintained in 86.67 and 95% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively. Conclusions Both bridging and nonbridging external definitive dynamic fixation proved safe and reliable for the treatment of unstable DRFs in elderly patients with polytrauma. The grip strength results in both groups predicted the restoration of ability in elderly patients to perform activities of daily living independently.

Dual Plating Technique for Volar Rim Fracture of the Distal Radius Using DePuy-Synthes 2.0 m and 2.4 mm Locking Plates

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (04) ◽  
pp. 423-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Abe ◽  
Masahiro Suzuki ◽  
Hiromasa Wakita
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Ulnar Variance ◽  
Locking Plates ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Radial Inclination ◽  
The Mean

Background: To assess the surgical results of distal radius fractures with the involvement of a volar rim fragment using the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates.Methods: Subjects were six women and one man of average age 57 years (range, 31–83 y) and a mean follow-up period of 9 months (range, 5–19 mo) with AO B3 (volar shearing) distal radius fractures. Time of the procedure, physical examination of wrist range of motion, grip strength compared with the contralateral healthy wrist, and radiographic evaluation (volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance) were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0 points represents no pain, 100 points represents the worst pain possible) and the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH, 0 = no disability, 100 = extreme disability) were completed by patients at the final follow-up.Results: The average time of the procedure was 74 min. There were no perioperative complications. Average radiographic measures were: volar tilt, 8°; radial inclination, 23°, and ulnar variance, 0 mm. Wrist range of motion averaged 63° in wrist extension (range, 55–80°) and 55° in wrist flexion (range, 45–65°). Grip strength averaged 81% of the contralateral side at final evaluation (range, 67–100%). The mean QuickDASH score was 3.0 points (range, 0–9.1 points) and the mean VAS for pain was 9.3 at final follow-up.Conclusions: Open reduction internal fixation with the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates is an effective means of fixing a distal radius fracture that includes a volar rim fragment without interfering with flexor tendon gliding.

Mid-Term Functional Outcome after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 238-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruhiko Shimura ◽  
Akimoto Nimura ◽  
Koji Fujita ◽  
Takashi Miyamoto
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The volar locking plate is frequently used in the fixation of unstable distal radius fractures, but despite this there is a paucity of mid to long term outcome studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term functional outcomes of elderly patients treated with a volar locking plate for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 74.1 (range, 65–85) years were followed for a mean of 39.1 (range, 30–81) months. Patients with follow-up periods of < 24 months were excluded from this study to investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes. The Mayo wrist score (MWS), grip strength and wrist range of motion were retrospectively reviewed at 12 months, 24 months and the latest follow-up (mean 39.1 months). Osteoarthritis status according to the system of Knirk and Jupiter was assessed at 24 months. Results: Significant improvements in MWS and grip strength were observed between 12 and 24 months but not between 24 months and the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in wrist range of motion between 12 and 24 months. The MWS of 14 patients with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis was not significantly different from that of 18 patients without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Elderly patients treated with the volar locking plate showed improved MWS and grip strength postoperatively after 12 months. Improvement in grip strength was slower than range of motion.

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 Immobilization following Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (05) ◽  
pp. 409-414
Author(s):  
J. Hill ◽  
Gabriel Bouz ◽  
Ali Azad ◽  
William Pannell ◽  
R. Alluri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate Fixation

Background No consensus exists regarding postoperative splinting position following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether immobilization in supination would result in superior outcomes compared with no restriction of forearm range of motion. Patients and Methods All patients >18 years of age with distal radius fractures indicated for volar plate fixation were eligible. Exclusion criteria were open fracture and concomitant injury to, or functional deficit of, either upper extremity. Patients were randomized to immobilization in (1) maximal supination with a sugar-tong splint or (2) no restriction of supination with a volar splint. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score; wrist range of motion; and grip strength were recorded at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. A Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of all outcome measures at each time point. Results A total of 46 patients enrolled in the study; 28 were immobilized with a volar splint and 18 were immobilized with a sugar-tong splint. Six-week follow-up data were obtained for 32 patients. There was no significant difference in PRWE, DASH, and VAS scores; or range of motion; or grip strength between the two groups postoperatively. Conclusion Range of motion, grip strength, and patient-rated outcome measures were similar regardless of postoperative immobilization technique in patients with a distal radius fractures stabilized with a volar plate. Surgeons can elect to use the standard-of-care postoperative immobilization modality of their preference following volar plate fixation without compromising short-term return to function. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, therapeutic study.

Management of Distal Ulnar Fracture Combined with Distal Radius Fracture

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Kwang Kim ◽  
Jong-Oh Kim ◽  
Yong-Do Koh
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fracture ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Ulnar Styloid ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
Distal Ulna ◽  
Ulnar Styloid Fracture

The distal ulna is composed of the ulnar styloid, ulnar head, and distal ulnar metaphyseal area. Most of distal ulnar metaphyseal fractures are associated with distal radius fractures and this incidence tends to be greater in osteoporotic elderly. Consideration of the treatment of distal ulna metaphyseal fracture should be addressed after treating a distal radius fracture. If it is stable, cast immobilization is preferred, however, if it shows malalignment or instability, an operative method should be considered. More than half of distal radius fractures are combined with an ulnar styloid fracture, and considerable cases of ulnar styloid fractures result in nonunion. However, ulnar styloid nonunion usually does not cause any problems on the wrist. Recent studies of distal radius fractures treated using a volar locking plate have reported that neither the initial displacement nor the size of a concomitant ulnar styloid fracture affects clinical outcome, which suggests surgical approaches may usually not be indicated for ulnar styloid fractures.

COMPARISON BETWEEN CAST IMMOBILIZATION VERSUS VOLAR LOCKING PLATE FIXATION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES IN ACTIVE ELDERLY PATIENTS, THE ASIAN PERSPECTIVE

Hand Surgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Ho Chan ◽  
Tun-Lin Foo ◽  
Chong-Jin Yeo ◽  
Winston Yoon-Chong Chew
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization

Displaced distal radius fractures in active elderly patients with high functional demand present a clinical dilemma because current evidence is equivocal in the recommendation of treatment. Internal fixation is an increasingly popular option with proposed superior results. Our study aims to evaluate the results among a population of active elderly patients with displaced fractures managed with either cast immobilization or internal fixation with volar locking plate. Seventy-five patients (35 cast immobilization and 40 internal fixation) with mean age of 74 ± 7.5 years with minimum of 12 months follow-up were studied. The radiological and clinical parameters were assessed at three, six, and 12 months. Functional outcomes (DASH, Green-O'Brien) were assessed at 12 months. Patients who underwent surgery regain wrist motion and grip strength earlier, but this was not statistically significant after six months.

scholarly journals Partially Healed Malaligned Distal Radius Fracture. Surgical Treatment in Patients older than 70 Years

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (01) ◽  
pp. 020-026
Author(s):  
Marcos Cruz-Sánchez ◽  
Jaime De la Torre-Rojo ◽  
Cristóbal Martínez-Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Fracture Pattern ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Radius Fracture ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Mayo Wrist Score

Abstract Introduction Management of distal radius fractures remains controversial despite their high frequency. Elderly patients specifically present a high rate of secondary displacement, sometimes requiring a complex reconstructive surgery. The surgical treatment of displaced fractures evolving for several weeks in elderly patients has not been clearly reflected in the literature. This study aims to show clinical and radiological outcomes from this particular situation. Material and Methods Retrospective study of 31 cases of distal radius fractures with more than 2 weeks of evolution. Fractures were graded according to the Fernández's classification. Pre- and postoperative radiological studies were carried out to evaluate the degree of correction achieved. A clinical evaluation was performed using the Mayo Wrist Score. Data on arthroscopy and bone substitutes use, specific surgical tips and complications were also collected. Results Thirty-one patients with a mean age of 76 years old were operated for distal radius fracture with a delay in surgical treatment of 22 days. The most frequent fracture pattern was Fernández type III (38.7%). The clinical outcome according to the Mayo Wrist Score was 81.94 points with no relationship to fracture pattern or arthroscopic assistance. A statistically significant improvement was achieved for the correction of radial inclination, joint gap and ulnar variance. No statistically significant improvement was achieved in volar tilt correction. Complications were observed in 12.9% of the cases. Conclusions Delayed surgical treatment of distal radius fracture in elderly patients provides similar results to those observed in other age groups and time of evolution. Despite not being the ideal scenario for the surgeon, it should be considered to avoid functional deterioration in this fragile age group.

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.

scholarly journals A study of Kapandji intrafocal pinning for the treatment of unstable extra articular distal radius fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 28-32
Author(s):  
Titjhendra Khadka ◽  
Rudra Prasad Marasini ◽  
Dirgha Raj KC ◽  
Rojan Tamrakar ◽  
Prakash Bahadur Thapa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fracture ◽  
Point System ◽  
Functional Evaluation ◽  
Kirschner Wires ◽  
Radius Fractures

Intrafocal pinning of distal radius fracture is indicated in unstable distal radius fractures without significant intra-articular displacement. It is a simple and effective, minimally invasive method of fixation for achievement of alignment and stability of unstable fractures. The study was conducted between November 2013 and October 2016. Patients attending the emergency and outpatient departments with history of trauma followed by pain and swelling of wrist, were evaluated clinically & radiologically. Patients with distal radius fracture who met the criteria were enrolled in the study. The operation was performed either under regional anaesthesia or intra venous anaesthesia. Reduction was carried out under image intensifier guidance and intrafocal pinning was undertaken with 2 Kirschner wires as described by Kapandji. Above elbow slab was applied for 3 weeks. Kirschner wires were removed at 6th week. Follow ups were done with radiological and functional evaluation on 1st week, 3rd week, 6th week, 12th week and 6 month. Of the 30 cases enrolled in our study, the age ranged from 40 to 72 years and the mean age of the patients was 54.77 years. The female/male ratio was 5:1 and the majority (83%) of patient sustained injury due to trivial trauma. All fractures united by 6 weeks. In the final follow up at 6th month, assessment of range of motion showed almost full range of motion. Functional evaluation was carried out with Gartland & Werleys Demerit point system (modified by Sarmiento et al). According to the score, 9 patients had excellent, 19 had well and 2 had fair results. None of the patient had poor results. Kapandji intrafocal pinning provides a stable fixation and good functional outcome in extraarticular distal radius fractures with few complications only.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document