Title : Comparative analysis of functional outcomes following operative or non-operative management in displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures
Abstract:
Background: Fractures of the distal radius are highly prevalent and constitute a significant proportion of injuries encountered in routine clinical practice, accounting for approximately 4% of emergency department cases. However, despite their frequency and the potential consequences of suboptimal management, the optimal treatment approach remains uncertain due to the lack of substantial high-level evidence.
Aim: The primary objective of this study was to compare the functional outcomes between operative and conservative management approaches for extra-articular distal radius fractures.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2018 to September 2020, enrolling patients aged 18 to 65 years with displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures. The patients were assigned to either surgical intervention or conservative treatment. After a one-year follow-up period, the functional outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Modified Mayo Wrist Score.
Results: Upon evaluation at the 12-month mark, it was observed that patients who underwent operative management exhibited significantly superior functional and clinical outcomes, as evidenced by notably higher Mayo scores compared to patients managed conservatively through casting
Conclusions: Patients treated with volar plate fixation demonstrated an earlier resumption of daily activities compared to those managed with K-wire fixation or conservative treatment. Hence, the study findings support the conclusion that volar plate fixation yields significantly better clinical and functional outcomes compared to alternative treatment modalities.
