Abstract
Distal radius fractures are increasingly treated by internal fixation, but there have
been relatively few studies relating to functional outcome at 12 months or more. The
aim of this study was to ascertain the patient reported function of the wrist at a
minimum of 12 months following fixation of a distal radius fracture, the time taken
to return to work, and the complication rate. We conducted a retrospective review
of 187 consecutive patients treated by a specialist hand and wrist trauma team at
a tertiary referral unit over a 5 year period. Mean age was 57.3 years (range 16–93).
Median time to surgery was 4 days (interquartile range 2–9). Median follow up was
31 months (interquartile range 23–41 months). The median PRWE score was 3; (range
0–83). There was no difference in outcome in patients who had surgery delayed by greater
than 2 weeks (p>0.05). The median time to return to work was 5 weeks (interquartile range 1–8 weeks).
There were 15 complications (8 %) including 3 tendon injuries. We have demonstrated
an early return to work in patients who were employed, a low complication rate, and
highly favourable functional outcomes at a mean of 30 months postoperatively. We recommend
the use of the DVR plate and involvement of a dedicated hand and wrist trauma team
for treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius.
Keywords
Distal radius fracture - Locking plate - PRWE - Outcome measure
