Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla1, Daniel Martinez-Mendez2, Maria F Vizcaya-Moreno3, Fernando A Lopez-Prats4. 1. Servicio de cirugía ortopédica, hospital universitario de Elda, Ctra Elda-Sax s/n, 03600 Elda, Alicante, España. Electronic address: lizaur1@telefonica.net. 2. Servicio de cirugía ortopédica, hospital universitario de Elda, Ctra Elda-Sax s/n, 03600 Elda, Alicante, España. 3. Grupo de investigación clínica, facultad de ciencias de la salud, universidad de Alicante, Ctra San Vicente Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente Raspeig, Alicante, España. 4. Departamento de traumatología y ortopedia, universidad Miguel-Hernández, Ctra Nacional 340, Km 87, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, España.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Treatment of the distal radius fracture in elderly remains controversial. The objective was to assess the outcomes of volar locking plate for displaced complete intra-articular distal radius fractures in elderly as compared to younger patients. HYPOTHESIS: The outcomes in elderly patients would be comparable with those in younger patients with a low rate of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non-randomised prospective comparative study between 70 patients older than 65 years and 46 younger patients with AO type-C fractures. The main outcome was Disabilities Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary variables were Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, range of motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and grip strength. Radiological measurements were also performed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 30.9 (range, 24-53) months. There were no significant differences in mean DASH, PRWE, VAS-pain, wrist motion or radiological parameters at final follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that the functional outcomes were significantly influenced by baseline ulnar positivity greater than 3mm at baseline but not by age. DISCUSSION: The study hypothesis was confirmed. Surgical treatment with volar locking plate for displaced complete intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients represents a safe and effective treatment alternative with similar early complication rate than in younger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, cohort study.
INTRODUCTION: Treatment of the distal radius fracture in elderly remains controversial. The objective was to assess the outcomes of volar locking plate for displaced complete intra-articular distal radius fractures in elderly as compared to younger patients. HYPOTHESIS: The outcomes in elderly patients would be comparable with those in younger patients with a low rate of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non-randomised prospective comparative study between 70 patients older than 65 years and 46 younger patients with AO type-C fractures. The main outcome was Disabilities Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Secondary variables were Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, range of motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and grip strength. Radiological measurements were also performed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 30.9 (range, 24-53) months. There were no significant differences in mean DASH, PRWE, VAS-pain, wrist motion or radiological parameters at final follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that the functional outcomes were significantly influenced by baseline ulnar positivity greater than 3mm at baseline but not by age. DISCUSSION: The study hypothesis was confirmed. Surgical treatment with volar locking plate for displaced complete intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients represents a safe and effective treatment alternative with similar early complication rate than in younger. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, cohort study.