Influence of Cortical Comminution and Intra-articular Involvement in Distal Radius Fractures on Clinical Outcome: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

Aim The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to test the predictive value of cortical comminution and intra-articular involvement on function and quality of life in distal radius fractures (DRFs) using the Buttazzoni's classification system. Patients and Methods We studied 406 patients between skeletal maturity and 74 years of age with DRF. Fractures with acceptable radiographic alignment were immobilized with a cast. Fractures with nonacceptable radiographic alignment underwent closed reduction and 4 to 6 weeks cast immobilization. Radiographs were obtained after reduction and at 10 to 14 days. Redisplaced fractures were offered surgical treatment. One-year follow-up included grip strength, range of motion (ROM), quickDASH, EQ-5D (including visual analog scale [VAS] for health status), and VAS pain. Results We found no statistically significant differences in QuickDASH, EQ-5D questionnaire, EQ-5D health status VAS, and VAS pain among the Buttazzoni classes. However, initial displacement was associated with worse quickDASH score, worse EQ-5D score, reduced grip strength, and reduced ROM. Dorsal comminution was associated with worse quickDASH score, reduced flexion, and reduced pronation-supination ability. Volar comminution predicted loss of extension, while intra-articular involvement was associated with reduced flexion-extension arc and worse EQ-5D score. There was a significant difference in ROM between noncomminuted and comminuted fracture classes. Conclusion Initial fracture position, type of comminution, and intra-articular involvement influenced the clinical outcome in DRF.

The Buttazzoni classification of distal radial fractures in adults: interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

Despite the fact that distal radial fracture is the commonest fracture, there is a little evidence-based knowledge about the value of its classification to guide management and predict prognosis. The available classification systems are either complicated or weakly applicable in clinical practice. Older's classification is the most reliable, but does not cover all radial fracture types. We evaluated the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of a new classification system which is a modification of Older's classification covering all radial fracture types. Two hundred and thirty-two consecutive adult patients with acute distal radial fractures were blindly evaluated according to the new classification by three orthopedic surgeons twice with 1-year interval. The interobserver reliability was measured using the Fleiss kappa coefficient, and the intraobserver reliability was measured using the Cohen's kappa coefficient. The new classification showed fair to substantial interobserver and intraobserver reliability, i.e., results comparable to the reliability of commonly used classification systems. The reliability was better for younger patients and when evaluation was carried out by hand-surgery-interested orthopedic surgeons. The new classification system is simple, covers all radial fracture types, and has an acceptable reliability. Further studies are needed to judge its ability to direct management and predict prognosis.