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.

Trends in the surgical management of proximal humerus fractures in Ireland from 2009 to 2022: An increasing usage of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures are a common injury accounting for a significant workload across orthopaedic departments. Though often managed non-operatively, surgical management is indicated for a proportion of patients. AIMS: The aim of this study is to examine the trends in the management of proximal humeral fractures within Ireland over the past 13 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of Irish Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data was performed between January 2009 and December 2022. Information regarding demographics including age and gender, along with procedure type were collated after patients with proximal humerus fractures, were identified using relevant ICD 10 codes. RESULTS: Demographic details remained stable with females and those within the 55-69 year age bracket accounting for the highest proportion of patients. The mean annual number of procedures performed across the study period was 365 (273-508), with an increase from 288 cases in 2009 to 441 in 2022. Open reduction and internal fixation were the most common procedures accounting for 76.4% of cases. There has been a rising usage of total shoulder arthroplasty for fixation with an increase from < 5 cases in 2016 to 84 in 2022. A decrease in the usage of hemiarthroplasty and closed reduction internal fixation was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increasing volume of operatively managed proximal humeral fractures in Ireland, which sustained despite the 2015 publication of the highly publicised PROPHER trial. The increasing utilisation of total shoulder arthroplasty in acute trauma management is notable and necessitates appropriate training for trauma theatre personnel.