Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in polytrauma patients and the influence of high traumatic energy transfer

Supplementary Fixation Improves Stability of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures Managed With a Spanning Plate

PURPOSE

Previous studies evaluating weight bearing of distal radius fractures treated through dorsal spanning bridge plates used extra-articular fracture models, and have not evaluated the role of supplementary fixation. We hypothesized that supplementary fixation with a spanning dorsal bridge plate for an intra-articular wrist fracture would decrease the displacement of individual articular pieces with cyclic axial loading and allow for walker or crutch weight bearing.

METHODS

Thirty cadaveric forearms were matched into 3 cohorts, controlling for age, sex, and bone mineral density. An intra-articular fracture model was fixed with the following 3 techniques: (1) cohort A with a dorsal bridge plate, (2) cohort B with a dorsal bridge plate and two 1.6-mm k-wires, and (3) cohort C with a dorsal bridge plate and a radial pin plate. Specimens were axially loaded cyclically with escalating weights consistent with walker and crutch weight-bearing with failure defined as 2-mm displacement.

RESULTS

No specimens failed at 2- or 5-kg weights, but cohort A had significantly more displacement at these weights compared with cohort B. Cohort A had significantly more failure than cohort C. Both cohort A and cohort B had significantly more displacement at crutch weight bearing compared with cohort C. The supplementary fixation group had significantly lower displacement at crutch weight-bearing compared with cohort A in all gaps. Survival curves demonstrated the fixation cohort to survive higher loads than the nonfixation group.

CONCLUSION

There was significantly less displacement and less failure of intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with a spanning dorsal bridge plate and supplementary fixation. Our model showed that either type of fixation was superior to the nonfixation group.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

When considering early weight-bearing for intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with a spanning dorsal bridge plate, supplementary fixation may be considered as an augmentation to prevent fracture displacement.

Proximal humeral fractures: association between displacement and fatty degeneration of the supraspinatus muscle

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the relationship between initial displacement in proximal humeral fractures and fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff measured by CT according to the Goutallier classification.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study evaluated patients with proximal humeral fractures over a six-month period. The study included patients ≥ 18 years old with complete radiological views (anteroposterior, lateral, and Grashey) and a CT scan of the affected shoulder; previous fracture or ipsilateral shoulder surgery were excluded. Neer's classification system and Goutallier stages were used to evaluate the patients. Demographic data were collected and, two groups were analysed according to age (≤ 50 years and > 50 years).

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were included (m = 36, f = 26, ratio 1.3:1); seven patients were excluded. Male patients (36, 58.1%), patients older than 50 years (33, 53.2%) and a low-energy injury mechanism (36, 58.1%) were the most frequent cases. According to the Neer system, the most common proximal humerus fracture was fracture-dislocation in 17 (27.4%) cases. The most common stage in Goutallier's classification was I (some fatty streaks) in 22 (35.4%) cases. Younger patients (≤ 50 years) had more displaced fractures with low fatty degeneration (p = < 0.001) than older patients (> 50 years), who had minimally displaced fractures with greater fatty degeneration (p = 0.567).

CONCLUSIONS

High-energy mechanisms are associated with younger patients and a more displaced fracture according to the Neer classification. Older patients had a more advanced Goutallier stage and lesser displaced fracture. We should consider a more aggressive approach in the treatment of non-displaced fractures in elderly patients, less conservative and more surgical management, to obtain a better clinical evolution after the treatment of these kinds of fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Going Solo: Techniques for Emergency Fracture Management Without Assistance

Orthopaedic injuries represent some of the most frequent conditions treated in emergency centers worldwide. Proper reduction techniques and evaluation of radiographic parameters are paramount in treating patients effectively. Orthopaedic providers at large tertiary centers may have several assistants available but are also burdened by notable patient loads and volumes. Frequently, fracture care may necessitate procedures performed by providers without the availability of skilled assistance, both in large tertiary academic centers and small independent emergency rooms with limited resources. As providers at a busy level 1 tertiary trauma center with only one primary orthopaedic resident responsible for the performance of most fracture reductions, we present both novel techniques and refined published approaches that allow the safe, efficient, and reliable reduction and stabilization of several different types of fracture dislocations with limited or no assistance, and only commonly found supplies.

Adherence to Antibiotic Recommendations and Infection Among Patients With Open Long-Bone Fractures: An Examination of Antibiotic Prioritization in Fracture Management

Open fractures are at high risk of infection because of exposure of bone and tissue to the environment. Initiation of intravenous antibiotics is recommended within 1 hour of hospital arrival, although the presence of other severe injuries may lead to delays in fracture management. This retrospective study of adult patients with open long-bone fractures admitted to six level 1 trauma centers between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, aimed to examine adherence to antibiotic recommendations. Associations between receiving recommendation-adherent antibiotics and patient and injury characteristics were investigated univariately and in adjusted regression analyses. The most common fracture locations among the 404 patients included were the tibia (43%) and fibula (26%). Fifty-eight percent of patients received recommendation-adherent antibiotics. After adjustment, patient demographics, comorbidities, cause of injury, and overall injury severity did not show significant associations with adherence to recommendations. Concomitant serious abdominal (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.44) and spinal injuries (AOR=0.23) were associated with lower odds of receiving recommendation-adherent antibiotics. Additionally, fractures of certain locations were associated with increased odds of adherence (humerus: AOR=2.78; fibula: AOR=1.64), as were type 3 fractures (AOR=1.55). The overall infection rate was 4%, and adherence to antibiotic recommendations was not associated with infection (3% vs 5% for nonadherent, P=.34). Results suggest that although full recommendation adherence was somewhat low among this patient population, certain injury characteristics were predictive of adherence rates. Current antibiotic recommendations may benefit from consideration of how antibiotic initiation may fit into the prioritization of injury management, especially in patients with polytrauma with other severe injuries. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(1):54-58.].

Efficacy of electroacupuncture in assisting postoperative healing of distal radius fractures: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Manual reduction and surgical treatment are common methods for distal radius fractures (DRFs). The existing literature suggests that postoperative combined rehabilitation treatment and medication are effective for the healing of DRFs. However, the side effects of these treatments remain to be solved. Previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve wrist swelling and improve the joint function in patients with DRFs, but more evidence is needed to prove the effectiveness of EA. This trial aims to explore the efficiency and feasibility of combined EA treatment in postoperative treatment of DRFs compared with routine treatment.

METHODS

This is a parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 222 patients diagnosed with moderate DRFs will be recruited and randomly assigned to an EA group or a routine treatment group at a ratio of 1:1. Routine treatment group will receive medication and rehabilitation. Yangxi (LI 5), Yangchi (TE 4), Yanggu (SI 5), Hegu (LI 4), and Taiyuan (LU 9) will be selected in the EA group for intervention three times a week on the basis of routine treatment. Both groups will receive 8 weeks of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome will be ulnar positive variance. The secondary outcomes will include radiographic healing rate, bone strength, hemorheological indices, serum biochemical indicators and inflammatory factors, grip strength, wrist swelling score, patient-rated wrist evaluation, disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand, and visual analogue scale. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, postoperative 3rd day, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 12th weeks.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study will help establish a more optimized scheme to treat patients with DRFs. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062857. Registered on 21 August 2022, www.chictr.org.cn/com/25/showproj.aspx?proj=175567 .

Socioeconomic status does not change decision-making in the treatment of distal radius fractures at a level 1 trauma center

Objectives

To compare operative rates, total hospital charges, and length of stay between different socioeconomic cohorts in treating distal radius fractures (DRFs).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Large public level 1 trauma center.

Patients

A retrospective search of all trauma activations over a 7-year period (2013-2020) yielded 816 adult patients diagnosed with DRF. Patients were separated into cohorts of socioeconomic status based on 2010 US Census data and insurance status.

Intervention

DRFs were treated either nonoperatively using closed reduction and splinting or operatively using open reduction and internal fixation, closed reduction percutaneous pinning, or external fixator application.

Main Outcome Measurements

Operative rates of DRF, total hospital charges, and length of stay.

Results

Patients who were uninsured or in the low-income socioeconomic cohort had no significant difference in operative rates, total hospital costs, or length of stay when compared with their respective insured or standard income groups. Younger patients and those with OTA/AO type C, bilateral, or open DRFs were more likely to undergo operative intervention.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that low socioeconomic status based on annual household income and insurance status was not associated with differences in operative rates on DRFs, length of stay, or total hospital charges. These results suggest that outcome disparities between groups may be caused by postoperative differences rather than treatment decision-making. Although this study investigates access to surgical care at a publicly funded level 1 trauma center, disparities may still exist in other models of care.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic Level III.

Arthroscopic Foveal Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Improved the Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Persistent Symptomatic Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Instability After Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To investigate the longitudinal trend of symptomatic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability after plate fixation for distal radius fractures (DRFs), determine which factors are associated with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability, and evaluate the postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in patients with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability after plate fixation for DRF.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent plate fixation for DRF between January 2014 and December 2017 and were followed up for a minimum of 1 year were included in this retrospective study. DRUJ instability was evaluated by subjective ulnar wrist pain and physical examination that included foveal sign and ballottement testing every 2 months after surgery. In patients with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability lasting >6 months, arthroscopic transosseous foveal repair was performed with consent. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The Generalized Estimating Equation model was used to analyze the incidence rate trend of symptomatic DRUJ instability.

RESULTS

Overall, 204 patients were included. The incidence of symptomatic DRUJ instability decreased gradually with time after fixation for DRF until 6 months and was maintained thereafter. Thirty-four of 204 patients (16.6%) had persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability. In multivariable analysis, only high-energy injury was an independent risk factor for persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability (P = .003; odds ratio = 3.599). Seventeen patients underwent arthroscopic foveal repair. The mean follow-up period thereafter was 28.6 months. All clinical outcomes improved significantly compared with preoperative values, and no patient had residual DRUJ instability.

CONCLUSION

In patients who had persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability for >6 months after plate fixation for DRFs, arthroscopic foveal repair of the TFCC is considered as a treatment option. Arthroscopic foveal repair of the TFCC to stabilize the DRUJ provided satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes and decreased ulnar-side pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Weight-Bearing Restrictions With Distal Radius Wrist-Spanning Dorsal Bridge Plates

PURPOSE

The fixation of comminuted distal radius fractures using wrist-spanning dorsal bridge plates has been shown to have good postoperative results. We hypothesized that using a stiffer bridge plate construct results in less fracture deformation with loads required for immediate crutch weight bearing.

METHODS

We created a comminuted, extra-articular fracture in 7 cadaveric radii, which were fixed using dorsal bridge plates. The specimens were positioned to simulate crutch/walker weight bearing and axially loaded to failure. The axial load and mode of failure were measured using 2- and 5-mm osteotomy deformations as cutoffs. Bearing 50% and 22% of the body weight was representative of the force transmitted through crutch and walker weight bearing, respectively.

RESULTS

The load to failure at 2-mm deformation was greater than 22% body weight for 2 of 7 specimens and greater than 50% for 1 of 7 specimens. The load to failure at 5-mm deformation was greater than 22% body weight for 6 of 7 specimens and greater than 50% for 4 of 7 specimens. The mean load to failure at 2-mm gap deformation was significantly lower than 50% body weight (110.4 N vs 339.2 N). The mean load to failure at 5-mm deformation was significantly greater than 22% body weight (351.8 N vs 149.2 N). All constructs ultimately failed through plate bending.

CONCLUSIONS

All constructs failed by plate bending at forces not significantly greater than the 50% body weight force required for full crutch weight bearing. The bridge plates supported forces significantly greater than the 22% body weight required for walker weight bearing 6 of 7 times when 5 mm of deformation was used as the failure cutoff.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Elderly, walker-dependent patients may be able to use their walker as tolerated immediately after dorsal bridge plate fixation for extra-articular fractures. However, patients should not be allowed to bear full weight using crutches immediately after bridge plating.

Incidence and underreporting of osseous wrist and hand injuries on whole-body computed tomographies at a level 1 trauma center

BACKGROUND

To investigate the incidence of osseous wrist and hand injuries on whole-body computed tomographies (WBCT) at an urban maximum-care trauma center, to report the number of missed cases in primary radiology reports, and to develop an algorithm for improved detection of these injuries.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis reviewing all WBCT for a period of 8 months for osseous wrist and hand injuries. (1) Reconstruction of hands/wrists in three planes (thickness 1-2 mm) and analysis by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. (2) Scanning of primary radiology reports and comparison to the re-evaluation. (3) Calculation of the diagnostic accuracy of WBCT during primary reporting. (4) Search for factors potentially influencing the incidence (trauma mechanism, associated injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, artifacts). (5) Development of an algorithm to improve the detection rate.

RESULTS

Five hundred six WBCT were included between 01/2020 and 08/2020. 59 (11.7%) WBCT showed 92 osseous wrist or hand injuries. Distal intra-articular radius fractures occurred most frequently (n = 24, 26.1%); 22 patients (37.3%) showed multiple injuries. The sensitivity of WBCT in the detection of wrist and hand fractures during primary evaluation was low with 4 positive cases identified correctly (6.8%; 95% CI 1.9 to 16.5), while the specificity was 100% (95% CI 99.2 to 100.0). Forty-three cases (72.9%) were detected on additional imaging after clinical reassessment. Twelve injuries remained undetected (20.3%). Motorcycle accidents were more common in positive cases (22.0% vs. 10.1%, p = 0.006). 98% of positive cases showed additional fractures of the upper and/or lower extremities, whereas 37% of the patients without osseous wrist and hand injuries suffered such fractures (p < 0.001). The remaining investigated factors did not seem to influence the occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Osseous wrist and hand injuries are present in 11.7% on WBCT after polytrauma. 93.2% of injuries were missed primarily, resulting in a very low sensitivity of WBCT during primary reporting. Motorcycle accidents might predispose for these injuries, and they often cause additional fractures of the extremities. Clinical re-evaluation of patients and secondary re-evaluation of WBCT with preparation of dedicated multiplanar reformations are essential in polytrauma cases to detect osseous injuries of wrist and hand reliably.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered prospectively on November 17th, 2020, at the German register for clinical trials (DRKS-ID: DRKS00023589 ).

Distal Radius Fractures and the Dorsal Spanning Plate in the Management of the Polytraumatized Patient

Distal radius fractures are some of the most common fractures treated by the orthopaedic surgeon. There are a variety of methods of fixation to treat these fractures; however, in patients with polytrauma and in high-energy fracture patterns, fixation options can be limited. In the past, these fractures were treated with plaster, Kirschner wires, or external fixators that were fraught with complications. The dorsal spanning plate is an excellent option in the treatment of high-energy fractures and patients with polytrauma, fractures with dorsal or volar comminution, fracture dislocations, and shear injuries, and in geriatric patients with poor bone quality. The dorsal spanning plate not only allows for fixation of these complex fractures but also allows for weight-bearing through the wrist, an advantage for patients with concomitant lower extremity fractures and geriatric patients who need mobility aides. Understanding the risks and benefits of dorsal spanning plates and their use for the treatment of polytraumatized patient is a vital base of knowledge for the orthopaedic traumatologist.

A Thai version of the Michigan hand questionnaire (Thai MHQ): an investigation of the psychometric properties

Background

The Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) is widely used to assess the hand/wrist conditions. We translated the original version into Thai (Thai MHQ) and evaluated its psychometric properties.

Methods

After receiving permission, the original MHQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted to Thai following standard guidelines. Two hundred and seventeen patients who had hand/wrist injuries or disorders were included in the study. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman’s rank correlation among the subscales of Thai MHQ, Thai DASH and Thai EQ-5D-5L and also confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to explore construct validity. The standardized response mean (SRM) was used to evaluate the responsiveness of the Thai MHQ.

Results

All subscales showed an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha (0.79–0.98). The test-retest reliability of each subscale was good (ICC = 0.83–0.95). In related dimensions, strong correlation was demonstrated between the Activities of daily living subscale of the Thai MHQ and the Common activities subscale in the Thai DASH (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001). For unrelated dimensions, a weak correlation was found between the Aesthetics subscale in the Thai MHQ and the Mobility subscale in the Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = − 0.13, P = 0.05). The Thai MHQ had strong correlation with Thai DASH (r = − 0.79, P < 0.0001) and Thai EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.63, P < 0.0001). CFA showed that the 6-factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit to the data. The SRM of the Thai MHQ was 0.78, indicating relatively large responsiveness. The MIC of Thai MHQ using distribution methods (SEM) was 5.2.

Conclusions

The Thai MHQ provides adequate internal consistency in all subscales as well as good construct validity and reliability for Thai patients and a relatively large standardized response mean at 2 months after treatment.

Does the magnitude of injuries affect the outcome of proximal humerus fractures treated by locked plating (PHILOS)?

PURPOSE

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) becomes increasingly relevant in an aging society. Functional outcome (FO) and the patient-reported outcome (PRO) after surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) depends on numerous factors, including patient- and injury-specific factors. There is little evidence on how the FO and the PRO vary in different settings such as monotrauma or multiple injuries, even though the PHF is one of the more frequent fractures. In addition, to a previous study, on multiple injured patients and upper extremity injuries, the aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of multiple injuries, quantified by the ISS, on the FO and PRO after surgically treated PHF by PHILOS.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort-study was conducted with an additional follow-up by a questionnaire. HRQoL tools such as range of motion (ROM), the Quick-Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), EuroQol Five Dimension Three Levels (EQ-5D-3L), and EuroQol VAS (EQ-VAS) were used. The study-population was stratified according to ISS obtained based on information at discharge into Group I/M-H (ISS < 16 points) and Group PT-H (ISS ≥ 16). Median outcome scores were calculated and presented.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

adult patients (> 18 years) with PHF treated at one academic Level 1 trauma center between 2007 and 2017 with Proximal Humeral Inter-Locking System (PHILOS) and preoperative CT-scan. Group stratification according Injury Severity Score (ISS): Group PT-H (ISS ≥ 16 points) and Group I/M-H (ISS < 16 points).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

oncology patients, genetic disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, paralysis or inability to move upper extremity prior or after injury, additional ipsilateral upper limb fractures, open injuries, associated vascular injuries as well brachial plexus injuries and nerve damages. Follow-up 5-10 years including PRO: EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. FO, including DASH and ROM. The ROM was measured 1 year after PHILOS.

RESULTS

Inclusion of 75 patients, mean age at injury was 49.9 (± 17.6) years. The average follow-up period in Group I/M-H was 6.18 years (± 3.5), and in Group PT-H 5.58 years (± 3.1). The ISS in the Group I/M-H was 6.89 (± 2.5) points, compared to 21.7 (± 5.3) points in Group PT-H (p ≤ 0.001). The DASH-score in Group I/M-H was 9.86 (± 13.12 and in Group PT-H 12.43 (± 15.51, n.s.). The EQ-VAS in Group I/M-H was 78.13 (± 19.77) points compared with 74.13 (± 19.43, n.s.) in Group PT-H. DASH, EQ-VAS as well as ROM were comparable in Groups I/M-H and PT-H (9.9 ± 13.1 versus 12.4 ± 15.5, n.s.). The EQ-5D-3L in Group I/M-H was 0.86 (± 0.23) points compared to Group PT-H 0.72 (± 0.26, p ≤ 0.017). No significant differences could be found in Group I/M-H and PT-H in the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A multivariable regression analyses was performed for DASH, EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. All three outcome metrics were correlated. There was a significant difference between the EQ-5D-3L and the ISS (Beta-Coefficient was 0.86, 95% low was 0.75, 95% high was 0.99, p ≤ 0.041). No significant correlation could be found comparing DASH, EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS to age, gender and TBIs.

CONCLUSION

Multiple injuries did not affect the DASH, ROM or EQ-VAS after PHILOS; but a higher ISS negatively affected the EQ-5D-EL. While the ROM and DASH aim to be objective measurements of functionality, EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS represent the patients' PRO. The FO and PRO outcomes are not substitutable, and both should be taken into consideration during follow-up visits of multiple injured patients. Future research should prospectively explore whether the findings of this study can be recreated using a larger study population and investigate if different FO and PRO parameters come to similar conclusions. The gained information could be used for an enhanced long-term evaluation of patients who suffered a PHF from multiple injuries to meet their multifarious conditions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Operative vs Nonoperative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

No consensus has been reached to date regarding the optimal treatment for distal radius fractures. The international rate of operative treatment has been increasing, despite higher costs and limited functional outcome evidence to support this shift.

OBJECTIVES

To compare functional, clinical, and radiologic outcomes after operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures in adults.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases were searched from inception to June 15, 2019, for studies comparing operative vs nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting on the following: acute distal radius fracture with operative treatment (internal or external fixation) vs nonoperative treatment (cast immobilization, splinting, or bracing); patients 18 years or older; and functional outcome. Studies in a language other than English or reporting treatment for refracture were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effects models and presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. Data were analyzed in September 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome measures included medium-term functional outcome measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the overall complication rate after operative and nonoperative treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 23 unique studies were included, consisting of 8 RCTs and 15 observational studies, that described 2254 unique patients. Among the studies that presented sex data, 1769 patients were women [80.6%]. Overall weighted mean age was 67 [range, 22-90] years). The RCTs included 656 patients (29.1%); observational studies, 1598 patients (70.9%). The overall pooled effect estimates the showed a significant improvement in medium-term (≤1 year) DASH score after operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment (MD, -5.22 [95% CI, -8.87 to -1.57]; P = .005; I2 = 84%). No difference in complication rate was observed (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.69-1.55]; P = .87; I2 = 62%). A significant improvement in grip strength was noted after operative treatment, measured in kilograms (MD, 2.73 [95% CI, 0.15-5.32]; P = .04; I2 = 79%) and as a percentage of the unaffected side (MD, 8.21 [95% CI, 2.26-14.15]; P = .007; I2 = 76%). No improvement in medium-term DASH score was found in the subgroup of studies that only included patients 60 years or older (MD, -0.98 [95% CI, -3.52 to 1.57]; P = .45; I2 = 34%]), compared with a larger improvement in medium-term DASH score after operative treatment in the other studies that included patients 18 years or older (MD, -7.50 [95% CI, -12.40 to -2.60]; P = .003; I2 = 77%); the difference between these subgroups was statically significant (test for subgroup differences, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This meta-analysis suggests that operative treatment of distal radius fractures improves the medium-term DASH score and grip strength compared with nonoperative treatment in adults, with no difference in overall complication rate. The findings suggest that operative treatment might be more effective and have a greater effect on the health and well-being of younger, nonelderly patients.

Polytrauma and High-energy Injury Mechanisms are Associated with Worse Patient-reported Outcomes After Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly relevant when evaluating the treatment of orthopaedic injuries. Little is known about how PROs may vary in the setting of polytrauma or secondary to high-energy injury mechanisms, even for common injuries such as distal radius fractures.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Are polytrauma and high-energy injury mechanisms associated with poorer long-term PROs (EuroQol Five Dimension Three Levels [EQ-5D-3L] and QuickDASH scores) after distal radius fractures? (2) What are the median EQ-5D-3L, EQ-VAS [EuroQol VAS], and QuickDASH scores for distal radius fractures in patients with polytrauma, high-energy monotrauma and low-energy monotrauma METHODS: This was a retrospective study with followup by questionnaire. Patients treated both surgically and conservatively for distal radius fractures at a single Level 1 trauma center between 2008 and 2015 were approached to complete questionnaires on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (the EQ-5D-3L and the EQ-VAS) and wrist function (the QuickDASH). Patients were grouped according to those with polytrauma (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥ 16), high-energy trauma (ISS < 16), and low-energy trauma based on the ISS score and injury mechanism. Initially, 409 patients were identified, of whom 345 met the inclusion criteria for followup. Two hundred sixty-five patients responded (response rate, 77% for all patients; 75% for polytrauma patients; 76% for high-energy monotrauma; 78% for low-energy monotrauma (p = 0.799 for difference between the groups). There were no major differences in baseline characteristics between respondents and nonrespondents. The association between polytrauma and high-energy injury mechanisms and PROs was assessed using forward stepwise regression modeling after performing simple bivariate linear regression analyses to identify associations between individual factors and PROs. Median outcome scores were calculated and presented.

RESULTS

Polytrauma (intraarticular: β -0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.21 to -0.02]; p = 0.015) was associated with lower HRQoL and poorer wrist function (extraarticular: β 11.9; 95% CI, 0.4-23.4; p = 0.043; intraarticular: β 8.2; 95% CI, 2.1-14.3; p = 0.009). High-energy was associated with worse QuickDASH scores as well (extraarticular: β 9.5; 95% CI, 0.8-18.3; p = 0.033; intraarticular: β 11.8; 95% CI, 5.7-17.8; p < 0.001). For polytrauma, high-energy trauma, and low-energy trauma, the respective median EQ-5D-3L outcome scores were 0.84 (range, -0.33 to 1.00), 0.85 (range, 0.17-1.00), and 1.00 (range, 0.174-1.00). The VAS scores were 79 (range, 30-100), 80 (range, 50-100), and 80 (range, 40-100), and the QuickDASH scores were 7 (range, 0- 82), 11 (range, 0-73), and 5 (range, 0-66), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

High-energy injury mechanisms and worse HRQoL scores were independently associated with slightly inferior wrist function after wrist fractures. Along with relatively well-known demographic and injury characteristics (gender and articular involvement), factors related to injury context (polytrauma, high-energy trauma) may account for differences in patient-reported wrist function after distal radius fractures. This information may be used to counsel patients who suffer a wrist fracture from polytrauma or high-energy trauma and to put their outcomes in context. Future research should prospectively explore whether our findings can be used to help providers to set better expectations on expected recovery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Effects of deprivation, ethnicity, gender and age on distal radius fracture incidence and surgical intervention rate

INTRODUCTION

Social deprivation has been shown to be associated with increased incidence of many types of fracture but the causes for this have not been established. The aim of this study was to establish if distal radius fracture was associated with deprivation and investigate reasons for this.

METHOD

Data was reviewed of 4463 adult patients who attended our Emergency Department over a four year period. The Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to measure deprivation for each patient. Modelling techniques were used to investigate the relationship between fracture rate and deprivation, gender, ethnicity and age.

RESULTS

Distal radius fracture rate was higher for patients in more deprived quintiles. Mean age in the most deprived two quintiles was 54.4 years compared to 60.1 years in the least deprived three quintiles. Modelling showed important differences between ethnic groups. Deprivation was an independent risk factor for distal radius fracture only in white patients. Deprived white women had a lower second metacarpal cortical index than women of other ethnicities suggesting increased bone fragility. Being male is a risk factor for fracture when deprivation, ethnicity and age are taken into account. Incidence rate ratio of the least deprived quintile compared to the most deprived was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.30-0.37) for white men and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.44-0.49) for white women.

CONCLUSION

Effective interventions exist to prevent further fragility fracture and this work allows geographical areas at risk to be identified. Presentation with a distal radius fracture provides an opportunity to implement interventions. In the current economic climate resources are scarce and must be used prudently. Resources should be targeted to those at risk patients from deprived areas and preventative strategies put in place.