What Is the Relative Effectiveness of the Various Surgical Treatment Options for Distal Radius Fractures? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Protocol for a prospective randomized trial of surgical versus conservative management for unstable fractures of the distal radius in patients aged 65 years and older

Aims

The primary aim of this study is to quantify and compare outcomes following a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius in elderly patients (aged ≥ 65 years) who are managed conservatively versus with surgical fixation (open reduction and internal fixation). Secondary aims are to assess and compare upper limb-specific function, health-related quality of life, wrist pain, complications, grip strength, range of motion, radiological parameters, healthcare resource use, and cost-effectiveness between the groups.

Methods

A prospectively registered (ISRCTN95922938) randomized parallel group trial will be conducted. Elderly patients meeting the inclusion criteria with a dorsally displaced distal radius facture will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to either conservative management (cast without further manipulation) or surgery. Patients will be assessed at six, 12, 26 weeks, and 52 weeks post intervention. The primary outcome measure and endpoint will be the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at 52 weeks. In addition, the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, pain score (visual analogue scale 1 to 10), complications, grip strength (dynamometer), range of motion (goniometer), and radiological assessments will be undertaken. A cost-utility analysis will be performed to assess the cost-effectiveness of surgery. We aim to recruit 89 subjects per arm (total sample size 178).

Discussion

The results of this study will help guide treatment of dorsally displaced distal radial fractures in the elderly and assess whether surgery offers functional benefit to patients. This is an important finding, as the number of elderly distal radial fractures is estimated to increase in the future due to the ageing population. Evidence-based management strategies are therefore required to ensure the best outcome for the patient and to optimize the use of increasingly scarce healthcare resources.

A systematic survey of 200 systematic reviews with network meta-analysis (published 2020-2021) reveals that few reviews report structured evidence summaries

OBJECTIVES

To map whether and how systematic reviews (SRs) with network meta-analysis (NMA) use presentation formats to report (a) structured evidence summaries - here defined as reporting of effects estimates in absolute effects with certainty ratings and with a method to rate interventions across one or more outcome(s) - and (b) NMA results in general.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a systematic survey, searching MEDLINE (Ovid) for SRs with NMA published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. We planned to include a random sample of publications, with predefined mechanisms in place for saturation, and included SRs that met prespecified quality criteria and extracted data on presentation formats that reported: (a) estimates of effects, (b) certainty of the evidence, or (c) rating of interventions.

RESULTS

The 200 eligible SRs, from 158 unique Journals, utilized 1133 presentation formats. We found structured evidence summaries in 10 publications (5.0%), with 3 (1.5%) reporting structured evidence summaries across all outcomes, including benefits and harms. Sixteen of the 133 SRs (11.7%) reporting dichotomous outcomes included estimates of absolute effects. Seventy-six SRs (38.0%) reported both benefits and harms and 26 SRs (13.0%) reported certainty ratings in presentation formats, 20 (76.9%) used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and 6 (23.1%) used Confidence In Network Meta-analysis. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve was the most common method to rate interventions (69 SRs, 34.5%). NMA results were most often reported using forest plots (108 SRs, 54.0%) and league tables (93 SRs, 46.5%).

CONCLUSION

Most SRs with NMA do not report structured evidence summaries and only rarely do such summaries include reporting of both benefits and harms; those that do offer effective user-friendly communication and provide models for optimal NMA presentation practice.

Time to surgical management of distal radius fractures: effects on health care utilization and functional outcomes

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fractures are common injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates is the most common approach for surgical fixation. This study investigated the association between time to surgery and health care utilization, income, and functional outcomes among patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for distal radius fracture.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for isolated acute distal radius fracture between 2009 and 2019. Time to surgery was grouped as early (≤ 14 d) and delayed (> 14 d). We performed χ2 (or Fisher exact) and Wilcoxon rank sum (or Kruskal-Wallis) tests to provide statistical comparison of time to surgery by health care utilization and functional outcomes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors significantly associated with time to surgery. We included all significant univariables in the multivariable logistic regression model, which identified factors based on significant adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals excluding the null) after we adjusted for confounding variables.

RESULTS

We included 106 patients, with 36 (34.0%) in the group receiving early treatment and 70 (66.0%) in the group receiving delayed treatment. Patients in the delayed-treatment group attended significantly more clinic visits and postoperative hand therapy sessions. The group with delayed treatment demonstrated significantly lower degrees of wrist flexion at the first follow-up, but this difference did not persist. Patients with higher estimated income (> $39 405 per annum) had lower odds of delayed surgery than those with lower estimated income (≤ $39 405).

CONCLUSION

Delayed time to surgery was associated with greater health care utilization and lower degrees of early wrist flexion. Access to care for lower-income patients warrants further evaluation.

Cause of Extensor Pollicis Longus Ruptures After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Using a Volar Plate

BACKGROUND

This research sought to analyze a cohort of patients with extensor pollicis longus (EPL) ruptures after volar locked plating of a distal radius fracture (DRF) to characterize the incidence of ruptures that are unlikely to be related to dorsal screw prominence.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational, descriptive cohort study of adults with operative fixation of a closed DRF and an EPL rupture between 2002 and 2022. Eighteen patients with operative fixation using a volar plate of a closed DRF had an EPL rupture. The cohort consisted of 66% women with an average age of 57.5 years. Median follow-up was 14.5 months.

RESULTS

The incidence of EPL rupture was 0.4% (18/4768). The average time from DRF and DRF fixation to EPL rupture was 3.7 and 3.4 months, respectively. Based on the operative record, in 2 of the 18 patients (11%), the rupture was directly attributable to prominent hardware; however, in 4 of the 18 patients (22%), the rupture was not related to prominent hardware, and the cause was indeterminate in 12 patients (67%). Radiologic analysis of those in the indeterminate group demonstrated that 5 of the 12 patients had screws that had a high probability of being prominent.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of EPL rupture after volar plating of DRF is between 0% and 1% and usually occurs about 3 months after fixation. Approximately 50% of EPL ruptures are attributable to prominent dorsal screws. Although screw prominence is an important cause of EPL rupture, it is not the sole cause of rupture.

Arthroscopic Assistance in Surgical Management of Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background  Wrist arthroscopy has become a commonly used tool for the management of adults with distal radius fractures (DRFs), although its implementation requires technical competence. This systematic review and meta-analysis appraised the available evidence concerning the contribution of wrist arthroscopy to the functional and radiological outcomes of patients with DRFs operated with arthroscopic assistance. Methods  Randomized control trials were identified through five principal electronic databases on May 31, 2022: Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, Embase, and PubMed. Two authors independently performed the search and data extraction and assessed risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB tool. Results  A total of 1,780 relevant abstracts and citations were extracted in the preliminary search, which yielded 6 trials that met the eligibility criteria, and 3 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The overall pooled mean difference (MD) estimate showed no significant difference in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores between surgical groups with and without arthroscopic assistance (MD = 0.77 points, 95% confidence interval = -6.58 to 5.03, p  = 0.79), with substantial heterogeneity (I 2  = 85%). Conclusion  There was low-quality evidence that wrist arthroscopy conveyed not clinically or statistically significant difference to functional outcomes of patients with DRFs. However, our findings are limited by the numbers of studies included and lack of long-term follow-up, although they do provide a good starting point for future quality research.

Volar Locking Plating Compared to Conservative Treatment in Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients (>60 years old): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of volar locking plating (VLP) to conservative treatment in distal radius fractures in patients aged >60 years old.

Methods

English articles were searched in electronic databases including MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of science, and ClinicalTrial.gov from inception to October 2020. Relevant article reference lists also were reviewed. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data from trials comparing VLP to nonsurgical treatment in distal radial fractures in the elderly. Starting with 3052 citations, 5 trials (539 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, and patient-rated wrist evaluation scores, grip strength, and range of motion.

Results

All trials of this random effect meta-analysis were at a moderate risk of bias due to the lack of blinding. Differences in the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score (mean difference [MD] -5,91; 95% confidence interval [CI], -8,83; -3,00), patient-rated wrist evaluation score (MD -9.07; 95% CI, -14.57, -3.57), and grip strength (MD 5,12; 95% CI, 0,59-9,65) were statistically significant and favored VLPs, however without reaching clinical significance. No effect was observed in terms of the range of motion and reoperation rates.

Conclusion

This review was not able to demonstrate any clinical benefit to the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures with VLP in patients aged >60 years old compared to nonsurgical treatment.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic I.

Association of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation With Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures With Patient-Reported Outcomes in Older Adults: A Network Meta-analysis

Importance

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have reported inconsistent conclusions regarding optimal distal radius fracture (DRF) treatment in older adults and are limited due to the inclusion of cohort studies with small sample sizes. A network meta-analysis (NMA) addresses these limitations by only synthesizing direct and indirect evidence from RCTs and may clarify optimal DRF treatment in older adults.

Objective

To examine DRF treatment results in optimal short-term and intermediate-term patient-reported outcomes.

Data Sources

Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted for RCTs that investigated DRF treatment outcomes in older adults between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2022.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials including patients with a mean age of 50 years or older that compared the following DRF treatments were eligible for inclusion: casting, open reduction and internal fixation with volar lock plating (ORIF), external fixation, percutaneous pinning, and nail fixation.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers independently completed all data extraction. An NMA aggregated all direct and indirect evidence among DRF treatments. Treatments were ranked by surface under the cumulative ranking curve score. Data are reported as standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was short-term (≤3 months) and intermediate-term (>3 months to 1 year) Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores. Secondary outcomes included Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores and 1-year complication rates.

Results

In this NMA, 23 RCTs consisting of 3054 participants (2495 women [81.7%]) with a mean (SD) age of 66 (7.8) years were included. At 3 months, DASH scores were significantly lower for nail fixation (SMD, -18.28; 95% CI, -29.93 to -6.63) and ORIF (SMD, -9.28; 95% CI, -13.90 to -4.66) compared with casting. The PRWE scores were also significantly lower for ORIF (SMD, -9.55; 95% CI, -15.31 to -3.79) at 3 months. In the intermediate term, ORIF was associated with lowered DASH (SMD, -3.35; 95% CI, -5.90 to -0.80) and PRWE (SMD, -2.90; 95% CI, -4.86 to -0.94) scores. One-year complication rates were comparable among all treatments.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this NMA suggest that ORIF may be associated with clinically significant improvements in short-term recovery compared with casting for multiple patient-reported outcomes measures with no increase in 1-year complication rates. Shared decision-making with patients may be useful to identify patient preferences regarding recovery to determine optimal treatment.

Does Radiographic Alignment Correlate With Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes and Posttreatment Complications in Older Patients Treated for Wrist Fractures?

PURPOSE

Surgical treatment of distal radius fractures provides better fracture alignment than closed reduction; however, surgical treatment does not lead to better patient-reported function at 12 months. The aims of this study were to report the radiographic outcomes from the Combined Randomized and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures In the distal Radius in the Elderly trial, investigate the association between radiographic outcomes and patient-reported function, and explore whether this association was affected by posttreatment complications and direction of malalignment.

METHODS

This study used the outcomes of the Combined Randomized and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures In the distal Radius in the Elderly trial, which is a combined randomized and observational trial that compared volar-locking plate fixation with closed reduction and cast immobilization, to treat distal radius fractures in patients aged ≥60 years. Four radiographic outcomes (dorsal angulation, radial inclination, ulnar variance, and articular step) were reported at the following three time frames: (1) baseline, (2) after treatment, and (3) ≥6 weeks by treatment group. Secondary analysis was correlation of 12-month patient-reported function scores with 6-week radiographic measures for each of four radiographic parameters, and a subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate if this was affected by posttreatment complications. Tertiary analysis investigated if direction of malalignment affected the secondary analysis.

RESULTS

We recruited 300 participants (166 randomized and 134 observational); 113 had volar-locking plate fixation, and 187 had closed reduction. There were no between-group differences for each of the four pretreatment radiographic parameters, but there were between-treatment group differences for all four radiographic parameters apart from articular step. We found no association between patient-reported function at 12 months and each of the four radiographic parameters at 6 weeks. This lack of association was unaffected by posttreatment complications and the direction of malalignment.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with wrist fractures aged ≥60 years, final radiographic alignment did not correlate with patient-reported function at 12 months. These findings were not affected by treatment type, and there was no association between radiographic alignment and posttreatment complications.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Persian Fixation - A Novel Surgical Method for Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures

Background: Intra-articular distal radius fracture treatment options include Kirschner wires (K-wire) fixation, external fixation and plate fixation, however, fixation of small bone fragments in distal radius fractures in a secure and anatomical manner was a challenging issue with several limitations. In this study, we present a novel surgical method that we have called the Persian Fixation for intra-articular distal radius fracture and describe a short-term clinical result. Methods: We described the surgical procedure and clinical result of 15 patients between 2019 and 2020 in whom the Persian Fixation technique was utilised. Through clinical examination and questionnaires, objective and subjective clinical results were determined. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) score for our patients was 17.6 ± 12.1, the mean WOrk-Related Questionnaire for UPper extremity disorders (WORQ-UP) score was 20.7 ± 4.4 and the mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was 27.8 ± 16.5, indicating a good to excellent clinical result. Conclusions: We recommended the Persian Fixation technique for intra-articular distal radius fractures, which is a low-cost and readily accessible procedure that provides stable fixation of a tiny bone piece. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Prospective Evaluation of Two Cohorts of Non-Operatively Treated Patients with Displaced vs. Minimally and Non-Displaced Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) in the elderly are common. Recently, the efficacy of operative treatment of displaced DRFs in patients above 65 years of age has been questioned and it has been suggested that non-operative treatment should be the gold standard. However, the complications and functional outcome of displaced vs. minimally and non-displaced DRFs in the elderly has not been evaluated yet. The aim of the present study was to compare non-operatively treated displaced DRFs vs. minimally and non-displaced DRFs in terms of complications, PROMs, grip strength and range of motion (ROM) after 2 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 months and 12 months.

METHODS

We used a prospective cohort study that compared patients with displaced DRFs (n = 50), i.e., >10 degrees of dorsal angulation after two reduction attempts, with patients with minimally or non-displaced DRFs after reduction. Both cohorts received the same treatment of 5 weeks of dorsal plaster casting. Complications and functional outcomes (quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (QuickDASH), patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), grip strength and EQ-5D scores) were assessed after 5 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post-injury. The protocol of the VOLCON RCT and present observational study has been published (PMC6599306; clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03716661).

RESULTS

One year after 5 weeks of dorsal below-elbow casting of low-energy DRFs in patients ≥ 65 years old, we found a complication rate of 6.3% (3/48) in minimally or non-displaced DRFs and 16.6% (7/42) in displaced DRFs (p = 0.18). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in functional outcomes in terms of QuickDASH, pain, ROM, grip strength or EQ-5D scores.

DISCUSSION

In patients above 65 years of age, non-operative treatment, i.e., closed reduction and dorsal casting for 5 weeks, yielded similar complication rates and functional outcomes after 1 year regardless of whether the initial fracture was non-displaced/minimally displaced or still displaced after closed reduction. While the initial closed reduction should still be attempted in order to restore the anatomy, failure to achieve the stipulated radiological criteria may not be as important as we thought in terms of complications and functional outcome.

Effectiveness and Safety of Different Treatment Modalities for Patients Older Than 60 Years with Distal Radius Fracture: A Network Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness and complications of different treatment modalities for elderly patients with distal radius fracture (DRF).

METHODS

We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Eight databases were searched. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were RCTs that compared different treatment modalities (surgical or nonoperative) in patients older than 60 years with displaced or unstable intra-articular and/or extra-articular DRFs.

RESULTS

Twenty-three RCTs met the eligibility criteria (2020 patients). For indirect comparisons, the main findings of the NMA were in volar locking plate (VLP) versus cast immobilization, with the mean differences for the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire at -4.45 points (p < 0.05) and grip strength at 6.11% (p < 0.05). Additionally, VLP showed a lower risk ratio (RR) of minor complications than dorsal plate fixation (RR: 0.02) and bridging external fixation (RR: 0.25). Conversely, VLP and dorsal plate fixation showed higher rates of major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with other treatment modalities, VLP showed statistically significant differences for some functional outcomes; however, most differences were not clinically relevant. For complications, although most differences were not statistically significant, VLP was the treatment modality that reported the lowest rate of minor and overall complications but also showed one of the highest rates of major complications in these patients. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022315562.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Various Treatment Options for Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose

To conduct a cost-effectiveness study of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for distal radius fractures using distinct posttreatment outcome patterns.

Methods

We created a decision tree to model the following treatment modalities for distal radius fractures: nonsurgical management, external fixation, percutaneous pinning, and plate fixation. Each node of the model was associated with specific costs in dollars, a utility adjustment (quality-adjusted life year [QALY]), and a percent likelihood. The nodes of the decision tree included uneventful healing, eventful healing and no further intervention, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tendon rupture as well as associated treatments for each event. The percent probabilities of each transition state, QALY values, and costs of intervention were gleaned from a systematic review. Rollback and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analyses were conducted to identify optimal treatment strategies. Threshold values of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY were used to distinguish the modalities in the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis.

Results

Both the rollback analysis and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis revealed nonsurgical management as the predominant strategy when compared with the other operative modalities. Nonsurgical management dominated external fixation and plate fixation, although it was comparable with percutaneous fixation, yielding a $2,242 lesser cost and 0.017 lesser effectiveness.

Conclusions

The cost effectiveness of nonsurgical management is driven by its decreased cost to the health care system. Plate and external fixation have been shown to be both more expensive and less effective than other proposed treatments. Percutaneous pinning has demonstrated more favorable effectiveness in the literature than plate and external fixation and, thus, may be more cost effective in certain circumstances. Future studies may find value in investigating further clinical aspects of distal radius fractures and their association with nonsurgical management versus that with plate fixation.

Type of study/level of evidence

Economic/decision analysis II.

Surgical plating versus closed reduction for fractures in the distal radius in older patients: a cost-effectiveness analysis from the hospital perspective

BACKGROUND

Given the cost differential between surgical and non-surgical management of distal radius fractures, we aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of surgical compared with non-surgical treatment of distal radius fractures in a cohort of older patients.

METHODS

This evaluation was conducted alongside the combined randomized and observational study of surgery for fractures of the distal radius in the elderly (CROSSFIRE) trial (ACTRN 12616000969460) which compared surgical (open reduction and internal fixation using volar-locking plate (VLP) fixation) and non-surgical (closed fracture reduction and cast immobilization (CR)) treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients ≥60 years. Cost-effectiveness was assessed from the perspective of the public hospital funder. Hospital records from a sub-sample of participants were used to estimate costs. Outcomes were patient-reported wrist pain and function questionnaire (PRWE) scores and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated using the EuroQoL five-dimension five-level tool (EQ-5D-5L).

RESULTS

From 166 participants (81 surgical, 85 non-surgical), costs were obtained for 56 (29 surgical, 27 non-surgical). The mean costs for VLP fixation were Australian dollars (AUD) 6668 (95% CI $4857 to $8479) compared to AUD 3343 (95% CI $1304 to $5381) for CR. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) to achieve a 1-point improvement in the PRWE were AUD 375, AUD 1736 and AUD 1126 at 3, 12 and 24 months for VLP compared with CR. At 12 months, the cost effectiveness was dominated by CR (lower cost and better QoL) whereas at 24 months, the incremental cost per QALY gained by VLP was AUD 1 946 127.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of distal radius fractures in patients ≥60 years, VLP fixation was not cost-effective compared with CR from the perspective of hospital funders.

Dorsal bridging plates for the treatment of high and low energy distal radius fractures

Distal radius fractures are common and treatment of complex fracture pattens can be challenging. We assessed functional outcomes, radiographic analysis, and complications of 26 distal radius fractures treated with dorsal bridging plate (DBP) at a mean of 14 months post plate removal (6-34 months). Radiographic parameters were measured pre- and post-operatively and patient reported wrist evaluation scores, patient reported wrist range of movement and satisfaction scores. Mean post-operative total PRWE was 26 (range 0-76) and mean wrist mobility 52° flexion (range 10°-85°) and 50° extension (range 10°-85°). Mean post-operative patient satisfaction score was 89% (range 50-100%). Four patients developed complications (one EPL rupture and three developed CRPS). DBP can reliably restore distal radius anatomy and is associated with good functional outcome scores, return of functional range of wrist movement and high levels of patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence

III.

VOLCON: a randomized controlled trial investigating complications and functional outcome of volar plating vs casting of unstable distal radius fractures in patients older than 65 years

BACKGROUND

Primary aim: to compare complications of operative vs non-operative treatment of unstable distal radius fractures (DRF) fulfilling national clinical guidelines for operative treatment. Secondary aim: to compare the functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-centre randomized controlled trial of unstable DRF. 50 patients: volar locking plate, 2 weeks casting + 3 weeks orthosis. 50 patients: 5 weeks casting.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

complications assessed after 2 and 5 weeks and 6 and 12 months.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Quick-DASH, PRWHE, range of motion, grip strength, EQ-5D-3L.

RESULTS

148 patients were screened from November 2019 to March 2021. 48 patients did not want to participate or were unable to participate in the follow-up. 100 patients were randomized and 85 patients were available for full analysis due to there being 4 deaths, 6 withdrawals, 1 wrong inclusion, 1 emigration, 1 refracture, 1 patient with compartment syndrome, and 1 who was advised to undergo surgery after being randomized to non-operative treatment. Median age was 74 years (range 65-92), 81 women/19 men, 42 right/58 left side, 87 retired, 11 smokers, 86 ASA class 1 or 2. Complication rates did not statistical significantly vary between the operative and non-operative group: 20.9% (9/43) vs 16.6% (7/42), p = 0.78 (Fisher's exact test). Complications were driven by sensory disturbances. Four reoperations were performed: two in the non-operative group: carpal tunnel syndrome; two in the operative group: one carpal tunnel syndrome, one protruding screw causing extensor tendon irritation. Mean difference in Quick-DASH varied from 2.3 (95% CI - 3 to 8) pre-injury to 4.2 (- 4 to 12) at 12 months. Quick-DASH and PRWHE were neither statistically nor clinically-relevant different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Complication rates after operative and non-operative treatment of DRF were similar. Volar plating did not improve the functional outcome after 5 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. These findings are in line with recent RCTs and mandate a revision of guidelines towards more conservative treatment.

TAKE HOME MESSAGES

(1) consider non-operative treatment in elderly patients sustaining unstable DRFs; (2) choosing operative treatment in patients older than 65 years should not be the gold standard; (3) however, non-operative treatment still carries a risk for complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03716661, registered 23rd Oct 2018; Published protocol PMC6599306.

Radiographic Outcomes following K-Wire Augmentation of Dorsal Spanning Plate Fixation for Intra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius

Background  Restoration of articular surface alignment is critical in treating intra-articular distal radius fractures. Dorsal spanning plate fixation functions as an internal distraction mechanism and can be advantageous in the setting of highly comminuted fracture patterns, polytrauma patients, and patients with radiocarpal instability. The addition of K-wires to support articular surface reduction potentially augments fracture repair stability. Questions/Purposes  We examined the radiographic outcomes and maintenance of reduction in patients with comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with K-wire fixation of articular fragments followed by dorsal spanning plate application. Patients and Methods  We reviewed 35 consecutive patients with complex intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with dorsal spanning plate and K-wire fixation between April 2016 and October 2019. AO classification was recorded: B1 (3), B3 (2), C2 (2), C3 (28). A two-tailed paired t -test was used to compare findings immediately post-dorsal spanning plate surgery and at final follow-up after dorsal spanning plate removal. Results  Mean patient age was 43.3 years (19-78 years). Mean follow-up was 7.8 months (SD 4.3 months) from surgery and 2.5 months from pin removal (SD 2.6 months). All patients achieved radiographic union. Radial height (mean interval change (MIC) 0.2 mm, SD 2.2, p  = 0.63), articular step-off (MIC 0.1 mm, SD 0.6 mm, p  = 0.88), and radial inclination (MIC -1.1 degrees, SD 3.7 degrees, p  = 0.10) did not change from post-surgery to final follow-up. Ulnar variance (MIC -0.9 mm, SD 2.0 mm, p  = 0.02) and volar tilt (MIC -1.5 degrees, SD 4.4 degrees, p  = 0.05) were found to have decreased. Conclusion  Dorsal spanning plate augmented with K-wire fixation for comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures in polytrauma patients allows for immediate weightbearing and maintains articular surface alignment at radiographic union and may provide better articular restoration than treatment with dorsal spanning plate alone. Level of Evidence  This is a Level IV , therapeutic study.

A Volar Locking Plate With Fossa Specific Fixation Provides Comparable Stability Between Articular and Nonarticular Cadaveric Models of Distal Radius Fracture

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fractures often present with a 3-part articular fragmentation pattern, with separation of the dorsal and volar lunate fossa. The column concept of distal radius fixation addresses the importance of stabilizing both the scaphoid fossa lateral column and the lunate fossa intermediate column. Recent evidence strengthens the value of immediate postoperative mobilization. Satisfactory outcomes following these protocols are predicated on volar locking plates (VLPs) providing adequate stability to the fracture repair. We hypothesize that a VLP which individually supports both lateral and intermediate distal radius columns may provide comparable stability between articular and non-articular cadaveric fracture models under parameters meant to simulate postoperative loading.

METHODS

Eleven cadaveric matched pair specimens were randomized to receive a simulated AO Type A2 non-articular distal radius fracture on one side with an AO Type C3 articular fracture on the contralateral side. Stiffness during cyclic loading was compared between fracture groups. A matched-paired Student t-test was used to determine statistical significance (P = .05).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences (P = .35) in stiffness between the articular models (mean 370.0 N/mm, +/-93.5) and the non-articular models (360.4 N/mm, +/-60.0) of distal radius fracture.

CONCLUSION

A VLP that individually supports the scaphoid and lunate fossa with fixed angle subchondral support may provide comparable fixation strength with resistance to displacement between articular and non-articular fracture patterns. The current results suggest that fossa-specific VLP fixation in articular fractures can maintain construct stability during postoperative loading.

Effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment of distal radius fractures in elderly patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether surgical treatment is more effective than conservative treatment in terms of functional outcomes in elderly patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs).

METHODS

An electronic search of the Medline, Central, Embase, PEDro, Lilacs, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed, from inception until July 2021. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were randomized clinical trials that compared surgical versus conservative treatment in subjects older than 60 years with DRFs. Two authors independently performed the search, data extraction, and assessed risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB tool.

RESULTS

Twelve trials met the eligibility criteria, and nine studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. For volar plate versus cast immobilization at 1-year follow-up, the mean difference (MD) for PRWE was -5.36 points (p=0.02), for DASH was -4.03 points (p=0.02), for grip strength was 8.32% (p=0.0004), for wrist flexion was 4.35 degrees (p=0.10), for wrist extension was -1.52 degrees (p=0.008), for pronation was 2.7 degrees (p=0.009), for supination was 4.88 degrees (p=0.002), and for EQ-VAS was 2.73 points (p=0.0007), with differences in favor of volar plate. For K-wire versus cast immobilization at 12 months, there were no statistically significant differences in wrist range of motion (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was low to high evidence according to GRADE ratings, with a statistically significant difference in functional outcomes in favor of volar plate versus conservative treatment at 1-year follow-up. However, these differences are not minimally clinically important, suggesting that both types of management are equally effective in patients older than 60 years with DRFs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I; Therapeutic (Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials).

Plating vs Closed Reduction for Fractures in the Distal Radius in Older Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Distal radius fractures are common and are managed with or without surgery. Current evidence indicates surgical treatment is not superior to nonsurgical treatment at 12 months.

Objective

Does surgical treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients 60 years or older provide better patient-reported wrist pain and function outcomes than nonsurgical treatment at 24 months?

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this secondary analysis of a combined multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) and a parallel observational study, 300 patients were screened from 19 centers in Australia and New Zealand. Of these, 166 participants were randomized to surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Participants who declined randomization (n = 134) were included in the parallel observational group with the same treatment options and follow-up. Participants were followed up at 3, 12, and 24 months by a blinded assessor. The 24-month outcomes are reported herein. Data were collected from December 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, and analyzed from February 4 to October 21, 2021.

Interventions

Surgical treatment consisting of open reduction and internal fixation using a volar-locking plate (VLP group) and nonsurgical treatment consisting of closed reduction and cast immobilization (CR group).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was patient-reported function using the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, wrist pain, patient-reported treatment success, patient-rated bother with appearance, and posttreatment complications.

Results

Among the 166 randomized and 134 observational participants (300 participants; mean [SD] age, 71.2 [7.5] years; 269 women [89.7%]), 151 (91.0%) randomized and 118 (88.1%) observational participants were followed up at 24 months. In the RCT, no clinically important difference occurred in mean PRWE scores at 24 months (13.6 [95% CI, 9.1-18.1] points for VLP fixation vs 15.8 [95% CI, 11.3-20.2] points for CR; mean difference, 2.1 [95% CI, -4.2 to 8.5]; P = .50). There were no between-group differences in all other outcomes except for patient-reported treatment success, which favored VLP fixation (33 of 74 [44.6%] in the CR group vs 54 of 72 [75.0%] in the VLP fixation group reported very successful treatment; P = .002). Rates of posttreatment complications were generally low and similar between treatment groups, including deep infection (1 of 76 [1.3%] in the CR group vs 0 of 75 in the VLP fixation group) and complex regional pain syndrome (2 of 76 [2.6%] in the CR group vs 1 of 75 [1.3%] in the VLP fixation group). The 24-month trial outcomes were consistent with 12-month outcomes and with outcomes from the observational group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Consistent with previous reports, these findings suggest that VLP fixation may not be superior to CR for displaced distal radius fractures for patient-rated wrist function in persons 60 years or older during a 2-year period. Significantly higher patient-reported treatment success at 2 years in the VLP group may be attributable to other treatment outcomes not captured in this study.

Trial Registration

ANZCTR.org Identifier: ACTRN12616000969460.

What Is the Best Evidence to Guide Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Uncertainty exists regarding the best treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Simultaneous comparison of the multiple treatment options using traditional study designs is problematic; multiarm clinical trials often are logistically constrained to small sample sizes, and traditional meta-analyses are limited to comparisons of only two treatments that have been compared in head-to-head trials. Network meta-analyses allow for simultaneous comparison of all existing treatments utilizing both direct (head-to-head comparison) and indirect (not previously compared head-to-head) evidence.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to answer the following questions: Considering open repair, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) repair, functional rehabilitation, or primary immobilization for acute Achilles tendon ruptures, (1) which intervention is associated with the lowest risk of rerupture? (2) Which intervention is associated with the lowest risk of complications resulting in surgery?

METHODS

This study was conducted with methods guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and is reported in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension statement for incorporating network meta-analysis. Five databases and grey literature sources (such as major orthopaedic meeting presentation lists) were searched from inception to September 30, 2019. Included studies were RCTs comparing treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures using two or more of the following interventions: primary immobilization, functional rehabilitation, open surgical repair, or MIS repair. We excluded studies enrolling patients with chronic ruptures, reruptures, and preexisting Achilles tendinopathy as well as studies with more than 20% loss to follow-up or less than 6 months of follow-up. Nineteen RCTs (1316 patients) were included in the final analysis. The mean number of patients per study treatment arm was 35 ± 16, mean age was 41 ± 5 years, mean sex composition was 80% ± 10% males, and mean follow-up was 22 ± 12 months. The four treatment groups were compared for the main outcomes of rerupture and complications resulting in operation. The analysis was conducted using random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis with vague priors. Evidence quality was evaluated using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. We found risk of selection, attrition, and reporting bias to be low across treatments, and we found the risk of performance and detection bias to be high. Overall risk of bias between treatments appeared similar.

RESULTS

We found that treatment with primary immobilization had a greater risk of rerupture than open surgery (odds ratio 4.06 [95% credible interval {CrI} 1.47 to 11.88]; p < 0.05). There were no other differences between treatments for risk of rerupture. Minimally invasive surgery was ranked first for fewest complications resulting in surgery and was associated with a lower risk of complications resulting in surgery than functional rehabilitation (OR 0.16 [95% CrI 0.02 to 0.90]; p < 0.05), open surgery (OR 0.22 [95% CrI 0.04 to 0.93]; p < 0.05), and primary immobilization (OR < 0.01 [95% CrI < 0.01 to 0.01]; p < 0.05). Risk of complications resulting in surgery was no different between primary immobilization and open surgery (OR 1.46 [95% CrI 0.35 to 5.36]). Data for patient-reported outcome scores and return to activity were inappropriate for pooling secondary to considerable clinical heterogeneity and imprecision associated with small sample sizes.

CONCLUSION

Faced with acute Achilles tendon rupture, patients should be counseled that, based on the best-available evidence, the risk of rerupture likely is no different across contemporary treatments. Considering the possibly lower risk of complications resulting in surgery associated with MIS repair, patients and surgeons must balance any benefit with the potential risks of MIS techniques. As treatments continue to evolve, consistent reporting of validated patient-reported outcome measures is critically important to facilitate analysis with existing RCT evidence. Infrequent but serious complications such as rerupture and deep infection should be further explored to determine whether meaningful differences exist in specific patient populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Objective Outcome Measures Continue to Improve from 6 to 12 Months after Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly-A Prospective Evaluation of 50 Patients

Distal radius fractures (DRF) in the elderly population above 65 years represent 18% of all fractures and are thereby the second most frequent fracture in the elderly. Fracture dislocation and comminution are often used to determine whether non-operative or operative treatment is indicated. The purpose of this prospective case series of minimally displaced DRF treated with a dorsal cast was to assess the complication rate and patient-reported outcome measures. This single-centre, single-blinded, prospective case series followed 50 conservatively treated DRF patients for one year. Primary outcomes were complications and Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score. Secondary outcomes were range of motion (ROM), grip strength and pain, and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). Results showed only minor complications with a return to prior ROM, qDASH, and pain after 12 months and improvement in outcomes after 6-12 months. In conclusion, the majority of DRF patients who were treated non-operatively with five-week dorsal casting recover fully after minimally displaced DRF. This standard approach is thus considered safe, and the present results provide a reference for other studies.

Ilizarov ligamentotaxis versus volar locked plating in the management of AO type C2/C3 distal radius fractures-a prospective non-randomised comparative trial

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to compare radiological and functional outcomes of Ilizarov ligamentotaxis and locked volar plating in comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures (AO type C2/C3) using a non-randomised superiority trial.

METHODS

A total of 72 patients with AO C2/C3 distal radius fractures were allotted into Ilizarov ligamentotaxis (n = 30) and locked volar plating (n = 42) groups based on patient preference. Primary outcome was the ability to achieve and stably maintain acceptable radiological parameters (post-operative, 6 weeks, 3 months, 12 months), and secondary outcome was functional scoring (at 12 months).

RESULTS

All patients completed the study. All fractures united uneventfully. Plating was superior to Ilizarov in restoring ulnar variance (100% versus 80%, p value 0.004), but Ilizarov was superior to plating in restoring volar tilt (as opposed to neutral tilt, 83.3% versus 47.8%, p value 0.002). Both groups were comparable in restoring radial height, radial inclination and intra-articular reduction and stably maintaining all five parameters over long term. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to mean ulnar variance (plating superior) and volar tilt (Ilizarov superior) at all stages of follow-up, whereas radial height and radial inclination were comparable at all points. There was no significant change of all radiological parameters over a follow-up period. At the end of one year, DASH score was slightly better (not clinically appreciable) in the Ilizarov group (8.47 versus 13.61, p value 0.03), but Gartland and Werley scores were comparable between both groups. Mean duration of external fixation in the Ilizarov group was 43.07 ± 8.94 days. Apart from five cases of pin site infections, there were no complications.

CONCLUSION

Ilizarov ligamentotaxis is a comparable option to locked volar plating in achieving radiological restoration and clinical function in comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, AO types C2 and C3. Restoration of ulnar variance needs utmost care while performing Ilizarov ligamentotaxis. Ilizarov comes with the disadvantages of reduced patient preference, pin site infections, need for removal of external fixator and slightly slower return to activity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

 CTRI/2018/08/015549 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Non-randomised prospective trial.