Epidemiology, classification, treatment and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults: an observational study of 23,394 fractures from the national Swedish fracture register.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are the most common of all fractures. Optimal treatment is still debated. Previous studies report substantial changes in treatment trends in recent decades. Few nation-wide studies on distal radius fracture epidemiology and treatment exist, none of which provide detailed data on patient and injury characteristics, fracture pattern and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, fracture classification, current treatment regimens and mortality of distal radius fractures in adults within the context of a large national register study. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study using prospectively registered data from the Swedish fracture register. Included were all non-pathological distal radius fractures registered between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2017 in patients aged 18 years and above. Nominal variables were presented as proportions of all registered fractures. RESULTS: A total of 23,394 distal radius fractures in 22,962 patients were identified. The mean age was 62.7 ± 17.6 years for all, 65.4 ± 16.0 for women and 53.6 ± 20.0 for men. A simple fall was the most common cause of injury (75%, n = 17,643/23,394). One third (33%, n = 7783/21,723) of all fractures occurred at the patients' residence. 65% (n = 15,178/23,394) of all fractures were classified as extra-articular AO-23-A, 12% (n = 2770/23,394) as partially intra-articular AO-23-B and 23% (n = 5446/23,394) as intra-articular AO-23-C. The primary treatment was non-surgical for 74% (n = 17,358/23,369) and surgical for 26% (n = 6011/23,369) of all fractures. Only 18% of the AO-23-A fractures were treated surgically, compared to 48% of the AO-23-C fractures. The most frequently used surgical method was plate fixation (82%, n = 4954/5972), followed by pin/wire fixation (8.2%, n = 490/5972), external fixation (4.8%, n = 289/5972) and other methods (4.0%, n = 239/5972). The overall 30-day mortality was 0.4% (n = 98/23,394) and the 1-year mortality 2.9% (n = 679/23,394). CONCLUSION: This nation-wide observational study provides comprehensive data on the epidemiology, fracture classification and current treatment regimens of distal radius fractures in a western European setting. The most common patient was an eldery woman who sustained a distal radius fracture through a simple fall in her own residence, and whose fracture was extra-articluar and treated non-surgically.

Mortality and cause of death in distal radius fracture patients: A longitudinal follow-up study using a national sample cohort.

The various harmful impacts of distal radius fractures (DRFs) may cause adverse effects. Although previous studies have reported the adverse effects of DRFs on mortality, most studies were performed in adults of advanced age and paid little attention to confounding factors of mortality. Furthermore, most of these studies investigated the overall impact of DRFs on mortality without differentiating the specified causes of death.The purpose of the present study was to estimate the risk of mortality in DRF patients according to the cause of death.Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) from 2002 to 2013 were collected. A total of 27,295 DRF participants who were 50 years or older were 1:4 matched with control participants for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The causes of death were grouped into 12 classifications.DRFs were not associated with increased overall mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-1.11, P = .237). The adjusted HR for mortality was not significantly different according to age. The odds ratio of overall mortality was 1.03 (95% CI = 0.97-1.11, P = .329).DRFs were not associated with a significant increase in mortality.

Release Rates and Complications for Birds of Prey With Antebrachial Fractures at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

A retrospective case series that included 253 free-ranging birds of prey admitted to a rehabilitation center was conducted to describe the treatment and outcome of antebrachial fractures. Medical records from birds of prey belonging to 21 species admitted with antebrachial fracture between 1989 and 2015 at the University of California, Davis, were reviewed. Species distribution on admission, treatment, outcome, and complications were described by fracture category and species. Among 134 birds treated after initial triage on the day of admission, 4 bone/ wing categories were identified: 83 birds had an ulnar fracture only; 18 birds had a radial fracture only; 28 birds had a concomitant fracture of the radius and ulna on the same wing; and 5 birds had bilateral antebrachial fractures. Logistic regressions were performed to determine which factors were associated with a positive outcome within each of these 4 categories. Among birds having only an ulnar fracture, those with a closed fracture were significantly more likely to be released than birds with open fractures (P = .03; odds ratio = 5.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-28.12). In addition, birds with a fracture of the middle third of the ulna were significantly more likely to be released than birds diagnosed with a single fracture of the proximal third of the ulna (P = .02; odds ratio = 4.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-16.64). No significant prognostic factor was detected in other fracture categories.

Higher Mortality in Men Compared with Women following Distal Radius Fracture in Population Aged 50 Years or Above: Are Common Distal Radius Fracture Classifications Useful in Predicting Mortality?

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are one of the most common fractures with growing incidence in developed countries and are a reliable predictor of another osteoporotic fracture. Data concerning DRF mortality are conflicting and vague. Usefulness of common DRF classification systems in predicting mortality is unexplored. METHODS: We identified all patients hospitalized between January 1st 2008 and May 30th 2015 with isolated distal radius fracture, aged 50 y/o or above, in a 1st level trauma center in Poland. Fractures were evaluated according to AO, Frykman, and Fernandez classifications. Mortality ratios and long-term survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank tests with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were used. RESULTS: We enrolled 1308 consecutive patients. The average age of the entire cohort was 72.5 ± 12 years. The study group consisted of 256 men (19.6%) with mean age 66 ± 12 y/o and 1052 women (80.4%) with mean age 74 ± 12 y/o. Men were statistically younger at the time of the fracture than women (p<0.0001). After 1-year follow-up the overall study group mortality ratio was 4.5%, being 2.2-fold higher in men compared to women. In long-term survival analysis, excess men mortality remained significant. Factors associated with higher mortality at any point of the study were age (HR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.07-1.10, p<0.000001), male sex (HR: 1.92, 95%CI: 1.34-2.77; p<0.001), AO type A (HR: 1.64 95%CI 1.19-2.25, p<0.01), and Frykman type I (HR: 2.12 95%CI: 1.36-3.29, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Distal radius fractures are connected with premature mortality. Men have higher mortality compared with women following distal radius fracture in population aged 50 years or above. Simple extra articular fractures classified as AO type A or Frykman type I may be predictors of higher mortality in DRF cohort.

Clinical assessment of patients with isolated hip fractures associated with an upper limb fracture. / Evaluación clínica de pacientes con fractura de cadera aislada y asociada a fractura de miembro superior.

INTRODUCTION: Some patients with a hip fracture also present a concomitant upper limb fracture. We want to know whether these patients have a worse functional level and whether they have any differences in various clinical parameters compared with patients with an isolated hip fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1061 discharge reports from the Orthogeriatrics Unit. We collected information on several clinical parameters of the fractures. Subsequently, we performed a statistical analysis of the data by comparing the associated fracture group with the isolated fracture group. RESULTS: We detected 44 patients with associated upper limb fracture, 90.9% were women (40) and the average age was 84.45years. Eighty-one point eight percent of the upper limb fractures were distal radius or proximal humerus. Pertrochanteric fractures were the most common (none of them were subtrochanteric fractures). Surgical delay was 2.60days and the average hospital stay was 12.30days. Sixty-four point three percent were nail surgery and 31% arthroplasty. The mean Barthel index score was 84.88 (P=.021). Fifty-two point 5 percent of the patients in the study group were referred to a functional support unit (P=.03). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.2%, with no differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an associated fracture have a higher previous functional capacity and they are more independent. Nevertheless, after the fracture they need more help from the healthcare system for optimal functional recovery.

Incidence and Mortality after Distal Radius Fractures in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older in Korea.

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and mortality of distal radius fracture among patients 50 years of age and older with diagnosis code (ICD10; S52.5, S52.6) and treatment code using a nationwide claims database from 2008 to 2012. All patients were followed using patient identification code to identify deaths. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of distal radius fracture were calculated based on age and gender-specific rates in the entire Korean population. The number of distal radius fractures increased by 54.2% over the 5-year study (48,145 in 2008 and 74,240 in 2012). The incidence of distal radius fracture increased from 367.4/100,000 in 2008 to 474.1/100,000 in 2012. The cumulative mortality rate over the first 12 months after distal radius fracture was decreased from 2.0% (968/48,145) in 2008 to 1.4% (1,045/74,240) in 2012. The mean year mortality over 5 years in men (2.6%, 1,279/50,128) over the first 12 months was 1.7-times higher than in women (1.5%, 3,952/257,045). The mean of SMR of distal radius fracture at 1 year post-fracture was 1.45 in men and 1.17 in women. This study using a nationwide database demonstrates that the distal radius fractures are increasing with a decreasing mortality in Korea.

Risk Factors Associated With Survival to Hospital Discharge of 54 Horses With Fractures of the Radius.

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) survival to discharge of horses with radial fractures (excluding osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius and stress fractures); and (2) risk factors affecting survival to hospital discharge in conservative and surgically managed fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 54). METHODS: Medical records (1990-June 2012) and radiographs of horses admitted with radial fracture were reviewed. Horses with osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius or stress fractures were excluded. Evaluated risk factors were age, fracture configuration, surgical repair method, surgical duration, hospitalization time, implant failure rate, and surgical site infection (SSI) rate. RESULTS: Of 54 horses, overall survival to discharge was 50%. Thirteen (24%) were euthanatized on admission because of (1) fracture severity; (2) presence of an open fracture; or (3) financial constraints. Fourteen (26%) horses with minimally displaced incomplete fractures were conservatively managed and 12 (86%) survived to discharge. Twenty-seven (50%) horses had surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 15 (56%) survived to hospital discharge. Open fractures were significantly more likely to develop SSI (P = .008), which also resulted in a 17-fold increase in implant failure (P < .005). Six of 8 surgically managed horses with an open fracture did not survive to discharge. Outcome was also adversely affected by age (P < .005) and surgical duration > 168 minutes (P < .027). Presence of SSI trended toward a decreased survival rate (P = .09). CONCLUSION: Prognosis for survival to discharge with minimally displaced incomplete fractures is good. Young horses have a good prognosis survival to discharge for ORIF, whereas ORIF in adult horses has a poor prognosis and SSI strongly correlates with catastrophic implant failure.

Mortality after distal radial fractures in the Medicare population.

The occurrence of a low energy fracture of the distal radius increases the risk for another, more serious fracture, such as a proximal femoral fracture. Early mortality after a proximal femoral fracture has been widely studied, but the association between a distal radial fracture and mortality is unknown. The date of death for all Medicare beneficiaries who sustained an isolated distal radial fracture in 2007 was determined using Medicare Vital Statistics files. The adjusted mortality rate for each age-sex group was calculated and compared with published US mortality tables. Distal radial fractures were not associated with an increased mortality rate. In fact, beneficiaries had a significantly lower mortality rate after distal radial fractures than the general population. This may be related to the injured beneficiaries' involvement in the healthcare system. Mortality rate did not vary significantly based on time from injury. Our results indicate that any mortality is unlikely to be attributable to the distal radial fracture or its treatment. Level of evidence: III.

Influence of coincident distal radius fracture in patients with hip fracture: single-centre series and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hip and wrist fractures are the most common orthopaedic injuries. Combined hip and distal radius fractures are an important clinical and public health problem, since mobilisation and rehabilitation is challenging and likely to be prolonged in this setting. Few studies have explored the influence of an associated wrist fracture in patients with hip fracture. We present the largest series of patients with concomitant hip and wrist fractures. We perform the first meta-analysis of the literature on patients with concurrent hip and wrist fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-centre retrospective study we compared 88 consecutive patients with simultaneous hip and wrist fractures with 772 consecutive patients who suffered isolated hip fractures. RESULTS: Patients with the combined fracture were of a similar age compared to those with isolated hip fracture. There were a significantly higher proportion of women in the cohort with both hip and wrist fractures (female:male ratio of 9:1 versus 4:1 p < 0.0001). The combination fracture group had a greater length of hospitalisation (18 vs 13 days p < 0.0001). The survivorship of both groups was not significantly different even after adjustment for age and gender. Meta-analysis of the literature showed female preponderance, increased length of stay but no significant difference in survival in patients with concomitant hip and wrist fractures. CONCLUSION: The combination fracture occurs much more commonly in women and patients require a greater length of hospitalisation. The patients who sustained simultaneous hip and wrist fractures experienced no statistically significant difference in survivorship when compared to those who suffer isolated hip fractures. This is not withstanding the presence of two fractures. This difference in mortality did not reach statistical significance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (retrospective comparative study).

Risk factors for 30-day postoperative complications and mortality following open reduction internal fixation of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: To identify the incidence and risk factors for 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality following operative treatment of distal radius fractures in a multicenter cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the years 2005-2011 for cases of closed distal radius fractures treated operatively with internal fixation. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics were analyzed. Thirty-day postoperative complications were identified and separated into categories of major morbidity or mortality, minor morbidity, and any complication. Risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: We identified 1,673 cases of closed distal radius fractures managed with internal fixation. The overall incidence of having any early complication was 3%. Major morbidity was 2.1%, which included 4 patient deaths, and minor morbidity was 1%. The most common major morbidity was a return to the operating room (16 patients). The most common minor morbidity was urinary tract infection (6 patients). The multivariate analysis demonstrated ASA class III or IV, dependent functional status, hypertension, and myocardial infarction/congestive heart failure to be significant risk factors for any early complication. There was a 10.0% complication rate in the inpatient group and a 1.3% complication rate in the outpatient group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of early complications following internal fixation for closed distal radius fractures was low, especially in the outpatient group. In the setting of an isolated injury to the distal radius, the data presented here can provide prognostic information for patients during informed consent for what is considered to be an elective procedure. Surgeons should consider risk of morbidity and mortality when considering surgery for patients with noteworthy cardiopulmonary disease, increased ASA class, or poor functional status. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Mortality after distal radius fracture in men and women aged 50 years and older in southern Norway.

Increased mortality rates in patients sustaining hip and vertebral fractures are well documented; however in distal radius fracture patients the results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to examine short- and long-term mortality in distal radius fracture patient in comparison with the background population. Patients aged ≥ 50 years with distal radius fracture living in Southern Norway who suffered a fracture in the two year period 2004 and 2005 were included in the study. The mortality risk of the standard Norwegian population was used to calculate the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The number of distal radius fractures was 883 (166 men and 717 women). Mean age was 69 years (men 65 years and women 70 years). After one year the overall mortality rate was 3.4% (men 5.4% and women 2.9%) and after five years 4.6% (men 4.0% and women 4.8%). The SMR for men and women compared to the Norwegian population for the first year was 1.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6, 2.7) and 0.9 (95% CI: 0.4, 1.2), respectively, and after five years 1.7 (95% CI: 0.3, 3.0) and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.7). Stratified on age groups (50-70 and >70 years) an increased SMR was only seen in female patients aged >70 years five years after the fracture (SMR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6). In conclusion, increased SMR was found in female patients aged >70 years five years after the distal radius fracture, but not in men or in women younger than 70 years.

[Anatomy and biomechanics of distal radius fractures: a literature review]. / Aspects anatomiques et biomécaniques des fractures du radius distal de l'adulte : revue de la littérature.

Distal radius fractures remain the most frequent fractures in the adult. Associated osteoporosis increases morbidity risk (secondary displacement is the most frequent) and mortality risk (in women older than 60). Severity of the fracture and functional results are related to the bone mineral density. Anatomy has been recently revisited with better description of palmar and dorsal aspects in order to avoid material-related complications. Standard postero-anterior, lateral and oblique radiographs of the wrist show the fracture and the displacement. CT scan is warranted if conventional X-rays are insufficient to show the articular surface. The involvement of the metaphysis (comminution), the epiphysis (articular fracture) and the ulna is different in each case and each fracture is an association of these three components. The MEU classification describes the fracture with sufficient inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility to be a useful tool for treatment and prognosis. The PAF system is used to propose the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Anatomical reduction and stable fixation are associated with good functional results but in high demanding patients.

Do concomitant fractures with hip fractures influence complication rate and functional outcome?

BACKGROUND: Owing to the aging population, the incidence of hip fractures is increasing. While concomitant fractures are not uncommon, it is unclear how they influence subsequent function. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Therefore, we determined (1) the incidence, type and treatment of concomitant fractures accompanying hip fractures, (2) the length of hospital stay, (3) the impact of concomitant fractures on mortality and complication rate, and (4) patients' function. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 402 patients older than 60 years with hip fractures. We recorded the presence of concomitant fractures and their treatment. We analyzed the duration of hospital stays, in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and function. We recorded function with the Barthel Index, Harris hip score, and timed up and go test. For this study we followed patients 1 year. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (5%) had concomitant fractures, the most frequent being proximal humeral fractures (n = 8) and distal radius fractures (n = 6). Patients without and with concomitant fractures had similar lengths of hospitalization (mean, 14 days; 95% CI, 13-15 days), in-hospital mortality (5% with concomitant fractures, 6% without concomitant fractures), and incidence of complications (41% versus 40%). Function at discharge and last followup were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The most frequent concomitant fractures were typical osteoporotic fractures (radial and humeral fractures). Concomitant fractures did not influence length of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, complication rate, and function. Hip fracture and comorbidities predicted the incidence of complications and patients' function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Mortality and causes of death among patients with isolated limb and pelvic fractures.

Between May 2001 and May 2005, all 8834 adults admitted to our hospital with fractures to the limbs and pelvis were prospectively entered onto a database. Information was cross-referenced with the Office of National Statistics, and all patients who died during the study period were identified. Mortality rates were adjusted for age, gender and type of injury and cause of death was identified from hospital records. Neck of femur fractures accounted for 32% of admissions. Younger patients were more likely to be male and older patients more likely to be female. Overall 30-day and 1-year mortalities were 4.5 and 13%, respectively. Increased mortality was associated with age, male gender and fractures of the femur or pelvis.

[Do injuries of the upper extremity in geriatric patients end up in helplessness? A prospective study for the outcome of distal radius and proximal humerus fractures in individuals over 65]. / Frakturen der oberen Extremität beim geriatrischen Patienten - Harmlose Monoverletzung oder Ende der Selbstständigkeit? Eine prospektive Studie zum Outcome nach distaler Radius- und proximaler Humerusfraktur bei über 65-jährigen.

In a prospective study 104 patients >or=65 years with distal radius fractures (DRF; n=52) and proximal forearm fractures (PHF; n=52) were followed up for a period of 4 months after injury. As an inception- cohort study, influence on treatment pattern was not part of the examination. A total of 53% of the DRF and 74% of the PHF patients underwent surgery. There were no significant changes in the ability of daily living management (IADL) with either fracture form. Functional outcome was better in PHF than DRF patients. PHF patients showed a high incidence in "fear of falling" throughout the whole study, whereas fear of falling rose significantly in DRF patients. 4% of DRF and 9.6% of PHF patients died during the observation period, while 6% of DRF and even 17% of PHF patients had to give up their own housekeeping. One third of both patient groups did not receive physiotherapy. In only 12% of DRF and 6% of PHF patients was osteoporosis treated. In both groups of patients there was a significant worsening in the ability of walking after injury, leading to two or more new falls in 24% of DRF and 28% of PHF patients.

Horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Fractures below the level of the radius or tibia (distal limb fractures) are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses; however, little is known about their epidemiology or aetiology. Identification of risk factors could enable intervention strategies to be designed to reduce the number of fatalities. OBJECTIVES: To identify horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses. METHODS: A case-control study design was used. Fractures in case horses were confirmed by post mortem examination and 3 matched uninjured controls were selected from the race in which the case horse was running. One hundred and nine cases were included and information was collected about previous racing history, horse characteristics and training schedules. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between a number of independent variables and the likelihood of fracture. RESULTS: Horses doing no gallop work during training and those in their first year of racing were at significantly increased risk of fracture on the racecourse. Case horses were also more likely to have trained on a sand gallop, i.e. a gallop described by trainers as being primarily composed of sand. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications to training schedules, specifically within the first year of racing, may have a large impact on the risk of fatal distal limb fracture on the racecourse. Horses should do some gallop work in training and our results suggest that the minimum distance galloped should be between 805-2012 m (4-10 furlongs)/week. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The information from this study can be used to alter training schedules in an attempt to reduce the incidence of fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses. Training should include some gallop work, and further studies, recording the exact level of work, will help to identify an optimum range of training speeds and distances which will reduce the liklihood of catastrophic fracture on the racecourse.

[Osteosynthesis of combined radius head and capitulum humeri fractures with mini-implants]. / Osteosynthese kombinierter Radiusköpfchen- und Capitulum humeri Frakturen mit Miniimplantaten.

INTRODUCTION: Combined injuries of the capitellum humeri and the radial head are rare. Most of them show combined osteocartilaginous lesions and collateral ligament lesions. Recommendations for treatment of these fatal injuries of the elbow are missing. TYPE OF STUDY: Five cases were investigated in an retrospective analysis. The same approach was used for the osteocartilaginous lesion of the capitellum as well as the injury of the radial head. Internal fixation was done with mini-titanimplants, three of them combined with resorbable pins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1996-1999 five patients (four men, one woman) with combined injury of the radial head and the capitellum were stabilized. The average age was 34 years (31-40 years). All fractures were stabilized by a direct radial approach with 1.5 mm or 2.0 mm lag screws partly with resorbable pins. All patients were evaluated radiologically and clinically according to the Mayo-elbow-performance score. RESULTS: All patients were personally examined after an average period of 12.8 month (8-24 month) by an independent investigator. 4/5 patients were assessed for their satisfaction. No radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the capitellum or arthrosis were found. Three patients showed periarticular calcifications. The range of motion was averagely 124 degrees (extension 5-30 degrees, flexion 110-145 degrees), in three of five cases a secondary intervention for improvement of joint mobility was necessary. The Mayo-elbow-performance score rated for 85 points in average (range 70-100 points). CONCLUSION: Direct screw fixation with mini-implants, eventually combined with resorbable pins allows to use the same approach for anatomic reconstruction and fixation of the capitellum humeri and radial head. Transarticular fragment fixation of the capitellum allows for safe compression. Therefore early functional rehabilitation is possible postoperatively. Secondary interventions for improve joint motion were necessary in three of five cases.

Survival among elderly patients after fractures of the distal radius.

Studies have documented increased mortality rates in patients sustaining hip and vertebral fractures. Distal radius fractures are common injuries among the elderly and are a significant source of disability. This study analyzed survival rates in an elderly patient cohort after distal radius fractures and determined mortality risk factors. In addition, the mortality rates in our patient cohort were compared with those of the general population of the United States matched for age and gender. The records of 325 elderly patients (250 women, 65 men) treated for distal radius fractures between 1992 and 1999 were reviewed and submitted to the national death registry maintained by the National Death Index and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The mortality experience of the patient cohort was analyzed by using bivariate statistical tests and multivariate regression. Average age at diagnosis was 77.4 years (range, 65-106 y). A total of 21% of patients (29% of men, 19% of women) died during the study period. After accounting for variations in age, total number of comorbidities, and Charlson comorbidity index, men were 2.65 times more likely to die than women (95% CI, range, 1.31-5.36) and their hazard of death was 1.83 times that of women (95% CI, range, 1.07-3.14). After accounting for variations in age and gender, patients with comorbidities were 5.23 times more likely to die (95% CI, range, 1.80-15.23) and did not survive as long as those without comorbidities. At 7 years after radius fracture, the cumulative estimated survival in the cohort under study was 57% compared with an expected value of 71% for the US population. Survival rates after distal radius fractures were notably lower than those expected for individuals of the same age and gender in standard populations. Men were twice as likely to die as women and did so almost twice as quickly.