Nonoperative treatment compared with volar locking plate fixation for displaced and unstable distal radius fractures in patients sixty-five years of age and older – A prospective randomized trial

Abstract

Recent trends have shown a decrease in nonoperative management for unstable distal radial fractures in elderly. The literatures available lack adequate information whether operative treatments are superior to nonoperative (cast) treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of two treatment methods that were used: (1) ORIF with volar locking plate and (2) closed reduction and plaster immobilization. 70 patients with a displaced and unstable distal radial fracture were randomized to ORIF with volar locking plate (n=35) or closed reduction and cast immobilization (n=35). Outcome was measured on the basis of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; the pain level; the range of wrist motion; the rate of complications; and radiographic measurements including dorsal radial tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance. Patients in the operative treatment group had lower DASH and PRWE scores, indicating better wrist function in early postoperative period (p