Epidemiology and treatment of distal radius fractures: current concept based on fracture severity and not on age

Abstract

Purpose

A shift towards surgical treatment of distal radius fractures seems to be apparent. The purpose of the present study was to assess current epidemiological data, the fracture severity according to the AO classification and the changing trend in the treatment.

Methods

This study presents a retrospective review of 268 patients ≥ 18 years of age admitted to our level I trauma center with distal radius fractures between 2013 and 2015. The data were obtained from the hospital inpatient enquiry system and review of the radiological examinations.

Results

The ratio between males and females was 87:181. The average age of the patients was 56.9 (18–99) years. A fall from standing position was the most common mechanism of injury. According to the AO classification, 43.3% were type A fractures, 13.1% type B, and 43.7% type C. As the intensity of the injury mechanism increased, the percentage of type C fractures also increased. A total of 61.9% of patients underwent surgery with open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates used as the preferred surgical treatment. Fracture severity correlated well with surgical decision. Elderly patients were just as likely to get surgical treatment as adult patients.

Conclusions

Our findings confirmed the increasing popularity of surgical intervention with open reduction and internal fixation. Contrary to previous studies, the fracture type profile showed an equal proportion of type A and C fractures and the indication for surgical treatment correlated with fracture severity and not age.

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