Colles' type distal radial fractures undergoing manipulation in the ED: a multicentre observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Colles' type fractures of the distal radius are one of the most commonly manipulated fractures in the ED. Local audit data suggest that a high proportion of these injuries undergo subsequent surgical fixation. If widespread, this could represent a potential burden on patients and the NHS worthy of further research. The aims of this study were to estimate the rate of surgical fixation of Colles' type distal radial fractures after ED fracture manipulation and explore variations in their management in UK EDs. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre observational study in 16 EDs in the UK from 4 February 2019 to 31 March 2019. All adult patients with a Colles' fracture who underwent fracture manipulation in the ED were included. Patients who could not be followed up and those with volar displaced fractures were excluded. We measured the rate of wrist fracture surgery at 6 weeks, patient demographics and variations in anaesthetic technique used. RESULTS: During the study period, 328 adult patients attended the participating EDs with a distal radial fracture. Of these, 83 patients underwent fracture manipulation in the ED and were eligible for the study. Their mean age (SD) was 65.3 (17.0) years, 84.3% were female and the most common method of anaesthesia used was haematoma block (38.6%). 34 (41.0%, 95 % CI 30.3 to 52.3) patients had subsequent surgical fixation of their fracture. Younger age was associated with higher rates of surgical fixation but ED anaesthetic technique did not affect the subsequent need for surgery in this sample. CONCLUSION: Subsequent surgical fixation was carried out in 41% of patients who underwent manipulation of Colles' type wrist fractures in this cohort. This merits further research and represents a potential target to rationalise repeat procedures.

Deterioration of initially accepted radiological alignment of conservatively treated AO type-C distal radius fractures: mid-term outcome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It still remains controversial how often the once-accepted radiological alignment of an AO type-C distal radius fracture deteriorates after conservative treatment, and to what extent this deterioration is perhaps associated with patient-rated outcome measures (PROms). Thus, we aimed to evaluate this radiological deterioration and its association with mid-term functional follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients (mean age at fracture 53 years, SD 14.1, range 18-73, female 65%) with 68 C-type distal radius fractures at a mean of 6.7 years (SD 0.5 years, range 5.8-7.7 years) after primary closed reduction and cast immobilization. Radiographs of the wrists were taken and analysed for any radial shortening, dorsal tilt or step-off at the joint surface. Range of motion and grip strength were measured. In addition to the radiological result, primary outcome measures included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDash) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). RESULTS: At mid-term follow-up, an acceptable anatomical radiological result was seen in only 22 wrists (32%). Deterioration of the once-achieved and accepted primary alignment was seen in a majority of cases (68%). Radial shortening of ≥ 2 mm was found in 34 wrists (51%, mean 4 mm, range 2-8 mm), with no association with QDash (12.8 vs. 5.5, p = 0.22) or PRWE (9.1 vs. 5.7, p = 0.40). Only four patients (6%) showed step-off at the joint surface (mean 1.1 mm, range 0.5-2 mm). Twenty-two wrists (32%) showed dorsal tilt of ≥ 10° (five with volar tilt of 15°-25°), with no effect on QDash or PRWE (14.7 vs. 6.5, p = 0.241 and 10.1 vs. 5.8, p = 0.226). Altogether, patients with dorsal tilt, step-off or shortening did not show significantly worse QDash (10.3 vs. 5.7, p = 0.213) or PRWE (8.1 vs. 5.1, p = 0.126) versus those with none. Twenty-nine (43%) of the patients had deficits in range of motion (ROM), either in extension (39%), flexion (43%), supination (16%) or pronation (4%), or combinations of these. Worse extension was associated with worse QDash (15.9 vs. 5.0, p = 0.037), flexion deficit with worse PRWE (11.5 vs. 4.4, p = 0.005) and supination deficit with both QDash (21.7 vs. 6.8, p = 0.025) and PRWE (18.9 vs. 5.2, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The initially accepted radiological alignment of AO type-C radius fractures deteriorated in a majority of cases during conservative treatment. However, this deterioration was fairly mild and showed no significant association with functional outcome. Restricted ROM showed some association with PROms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Bootstrap imputation minimized misclassification bias when measuring Colles' fracture prevalence and its associations using health administrative data.

OBJECTIVES: Misclassification bias can result from the incorrect assignment of disease status using inaccurate diagnostic codes in health administrative data. This study quantified misclassification bias in the study of Colles' fracture. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Colles' fracture status was determined in all patients >50 years old seen in the emergency room at a single teaching hospital between 2006 and 2014 by manually reviewing all forearm radiographs. This data set was linked to population-based data capturing all emergency room visits. Reference disease prevalence and its association with covariates were measured. A multivariate model using covariates derived from administrative data was used to impute Colles' fracture status and measure its prevalence and associations using bootstrapping methods. These values were compared with reference values to measure misclassification bias. This was repeated using diagnostic codes to determine Colles' fracture status. RESULTS: Five hundred eighteen thousand, seven hundred forty-four emergency visits were included with 3,538 (0.7%) having a Colles' fracture. Determining disease status using the diagnostic code (sensitivity 69.4%, positive predictive value 79.9%) resulted in significant underestimate of Colles' fracture prevalence (relative difference -13.3%) and biased associations with covariates. The Colles' fracture model accurately determined disease probability (c-statistic 98.9 [95% confidence interval {CI} 98.7-99.1], calibration slope 1.009 [95% CI 1.004-1.013], Nagelkerke's R2 0.71 [95% CI 0.70-0.72]). Using disease probability estimates from this model, bootstrap imputation (BI) resulted in minimal misclassification bias (relative difference in disease prevalence -0.01%). The statistical significance of the association between Colles' fracture and age was accurate in 32.4% and 70.4% of samples when using the code or BI, respectively. CONCLUSION: Misclassification bias in estimating disease prevalence and its associations can be minimized with BI using accurate disease probability estimates.

Factores de riesgo y la prevención de la osteoporosis / Risk Factors and Prevention of the Osteoporosis

En el anciano es proporcional la relación aumento de edad con la osteoporosis, que obedece a múltiples factores de riesgo, pero si se conocen se puede actuar sobre ellos. Esta revisión es una colaboración para su conocimiento y para que el personal de salud pueda orientar a su población, y así minimizar sus síntomas además que se conozca la consecuencia más grave que acompaña a esta enfermedad: las fracturas, que las más frecuentes son de cadera, de Colles y las fracturas vertebrales. El método que se usó fundamentalmente es la revisión de artículos científicos y se enfatizó en los factores de riesgo y la prevención de la osteoporosis. Esta enfermedad afecta más a la población anciana del sexo femenino y de raza caucásica.(AU)

In the elderly, the relationship between aging and osteoporosis is proportional, due to multiple risk factors, but if these factors are known, it is possible to act on them. This review was done to improve the health professionals knowledge on this topic and thus to guide the population, and minimize their symptoms, and to know the most serious consequences of this disease such as fractures: hip, Colles and vertebral, that are the most common ones. The review of the scientific articles was the main method used, making emphasis on the risk factors and the prevention of the osteoporosis. This disease fundamentally affects the elderly female population of Caucasian race.(AU)

Reliability and reproducibility of classifications for distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of the Universal, AO, Fernandez and Frykman classifications for distal radius fractures. METHODS: Fifty standard sets of posteroanterior and lateral roentgenograms of displaced distal radius fractures were classified two times by two groups of evaluators at 2-month intervals. The first group consisted of 10 orthopedic surgeons with a minimum of 5 years of experience. The second group consisted of 10 orthopedic residents in their first two years of practice. Interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility were assessed using Cohen's kappa test. RESULTS: None of the classifications achieved good- very good reliability levels. The Fernandez classification had a moderate and the others had a fair interobserver agreement kappa coefficient. All classifications had fair kappa intraobserver agreement although the Frykman and Fernandez classifications had better results. CONCLUSION: None of the classification systems were superior in terms of reliability and reproducibility. The reliability and reproducibility rates of all four classifications were insufficient.

A comparative study of clinical and radiologic outcomes of unstable colles type distal radius fractures in patients older than 70 years: nonoperative treatment versus volar locking plating.

OBJECTIVES: To compare final functional and radiographic outcomes of closed reduction and casting (CAST) with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with palmar locking plate for unstable Colles type distal radius fractures (DRFs) in low-demand patients older than 70 years. DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical study. SETTING: Level 1 university trauma center. PATIENTS: Over a mean period of 4 years and 7 months, 130 consecutive patients older than 70 years were treated for an unstable dorsally displaced DRF of which 114 or 87% were followed for 1 year or longer. INTERVENTION: ORIF (n = 53) using volar locking plate or closed reduction and casting (n = 61). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Objective and subjective functional results (active range of motion; grip strength; disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score; patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score; visual analog scale; and Green and O'Brien score) and radiographic assessment (dorsal tilt, radial inclination, radial shortening, fracture union, and posttraumatic arthritis) were assessed. RESULTS: At final follow-up, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups for mean ranges of motion, grip strength, DASH score, PRWE score, and Green and O'Brien score. Pain level was significantly less for the patients in the CAST group. An obvious clinical deformity was present in 77% of cast group and none in the ORIF group. At final follow-up, in the ORIF group, there was a mean loss of dorsal tilt of 1.3 degrees, radial inclination of 0.3 degrees, and radial length of 0.5 mm compared with the postoperative measurements. No primary acceptable reduction was achieved in 44% of the CAST group. At final follow-up, in the CAST group, dorsal tilt, radial inclination, and radial shortening averaged -24.4 +/- 12 degrees, 19.2 +/- 6.5 degrees, and +3.9 +/- 2.7 mm, respectively. Malunion occurred in 89% primarily reduced fractures. Dorsal tilt, radial inclination, and radial shortening were significantly better in the ORIF group. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic results (dorsal tilt, radial inclination, and radial shortening) after unstable dorsally displaced DRFs are significantly better in patients treated by ORIF using a volar fixed-angle plate rather than those treated by cast immobilization (P < 0.05). At a mean follow-up time of 4 years and 7 months, the clinical outcomes of active range of motion, the PRWE, DASH, and Green and O'Brien scores do not differ between the 2 methods of treatment. The pain level was significantly less in the CAST group (P < 0.05), and this group experienced no complications. There was no difference between the subjective and functional outcomes for the surgical and the nonsurgical treatments in a cohort of patients older than 70 years. Unsatisfactory radiographic outcome in older patients does not necessarily translate into unsatisfactory functional outcome. Nonoperative treatment may be the preferred method of treatment in this age group.

Epidemiología de la osteoporosis / No dispoinble

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A study of male patients with forearm fracture in Northern Ireland.

Osteoporosis, although considered less common, still occurs in men. We present a cross-sectional study of a group of Northern Ireland men with low-trauma forearm fractures to determine the presence of osteoporosis and screen for secondary causes of low bone mineral density. Male patients aged 30-75 years, presenting with distal forearm fracture in 2000-2001 in Northern Ireland, were identified through a Colles fracture database. A total of 37 subjects consented to have bone mineral density measurements undertaken at the femoral neck, spine and forearm using a Lunar expert bone densitometer. Twenty-seven percent of the men had osteoporosis at the spine, femoral neck or forearm, as defined by a bone mineral density score of less than -2.5. We also found that 49% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, 27% had low serum testosterone, 14% had abnormal liver function test results, and 14% had raised parathyroid hormone. Only one patient received advice or treatment regarding osteoporosis at the time of fracture. Increased awareness of male osteoporosis and the need for screening for potential secondary causes in this group of patients is required, both at primary and secondary care level.

Determinants of incidence of osteoporotic fractures in the female Spanish population older than 50.

It is well known that the adoption of preventive measures for osteoporosis may contribute to minimizing its impact as a result of bone fractures. However, there are well-recognized risk factors involved in the onset of osteoporosis that are not possible to modify. Better knowledge of these non-modifiable factors could aid prevention in subjects at high risk of fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the likely association between gynecological, reproductive and family history of hip fracture with the incidence of vertebral and nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures in women older than 50. We studied 255 women aged 50 and over, randomly selected from a Spanish population that had participated in a study of prevalence of vertebral fractures (EVOS study). This cohort was prospectively followed for 8 years by means of four postal questionnaires, in order to find out the incidence of nonvertebral fractures. Concerning the incidence of vertebral fractures, participants were invited to repeat the lumbar spine X-rays 4 years after the initial study. A total of 31 women had incident osteoporotic fractures. The analysis of gynecological variables showed that an increase in the age at menarche was a risk factor for all incident osteoporotic fractures [OR=1.57 (1.04-2.37)]. The presence of amenorrhea at any age during the fertile period was associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=6.30 (1.61-24.70)]. Among all the reproductive variables analyzed (pregnancy, number of live births and breast-feeding) only pregnancy was an important protective factor in preventing incident Colles fracture [OR=0.15 (0.03-0.62)]. A family history of hip fracture was associated with a higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=3.59 (1.01-12.79)]. In summary, a late age at menarche, the presence of amenorrhea and having close relatives with hip fracture were all risk factors which, independently of bone mineral density (BMD) and age, were associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures. Pregnancy was an important protective factor for the incidence of Colles fractures.

Does a distal forearm fracture lead to evaluation for osteoporosis? A retrospective cohort study in 147 Danish women.

In postmenopausal women, a low-trauma distal forearm fracture is a risk factor for osteoporosis and future fracture, which indicates osteoporosis follow-up according to prevailing guidelines. We decided to determine how often women over 45 yr presenting with a low-trauma distal forearm fracture to a Danish emergency department during a 1-yr period were followed up for osteoporosis. We performed a retrospective review of hospital records and we sent the women and their general practitioners (GPs) questionnaires regarding the follow-up undertaken in primary care. Finally, we invited the women for a densitometry to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis. From May 1, 2001 to April 30, 2002, 147 women presented with a low-trauma distal forearm fractures. According to the review of hospital records, none of the women was referred for bone densitometry or spine X-rays. One woman had calcium and vitamin D supplementation (CVDS) prescribed and two were recommended to consult their GPs for osteoporosis follow-up. In primary care, 12 women were referred for densitometry or spine X-rays, and 11 women started CVDS after the fracture. Women with risk factors for osteoporosis in addition to the forearm fracture were not more likely to be referred for densitometry or spine X-rays (p = 0.10). The prevalence of osteoporosis was 24% among the 79 women who underwent densitometry. Our study demonstrates a low use of available measures to reduce the risk of future fracture in women with a low-trauma distal forearm fracture, and it emphasizes the need to decide on a local level how to provide osteoporosis follow-up for women with fragility fractures.

The risk of Colles' fracture is associated with the collagen I alpha1 Sp1 polymorphism and ultrasound transmission velocity in the calcaneus only in heavier postmenopausal women.

To compare the ability of the bone mineral density (BMD) at the distal forearm, collagen I alpha 1 (COLIA1) polymorphism, and ultrasound stiffness to identify individuals with increased risk of wrist fracture, we studied 183 postmenopausal Czech women with a wrist fracture and 178 postmenopausal controls, ages 45-70 years. The genotypes "Ss" and "ss" were significantly overrepresented among fracture cases. The BMD measurements at the femoral neck, total femur, and distal forearm as well as ultrasound stiffness of the heel, broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and speed of sound (SOS) were significantly lower in the fracture cohort. BMD of the distal forearm was the main determinant of susceptibility to the wrist fracture. Weight, the COLIA1 genotype, and ultrasound SOS further strengthened the predictive value of BMD. However, we found interaction between weight and both the COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism and ultrasound parameters. Presence of the "s" allele as well as low SOS acted as significant predictors of wrist fracture only in heavier women, (> or =62 kg) but not in women with a body weight of less than 62 kg. In heavier women, both the COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism and ultrasound parameters acted as independent markers that contributed to BMD to enhance fracture prediction. However, the COLIA1 enabled a higher specificity (specificity 72.4%, sensitivity 44.2%), whereas SOS enabled a higher sensitivity (sensitivity 73.9%, specificity, 45.7%). We conclude that BMD at total forearm, the COLIA1 polymorphism, and ultrasound SOS are independent predictors of wrist fracture in postmenopausal women. The effect of the COLIA1 Sp1 polymorphism and SOS on wrist fracture risk is more pronounced in patients with a higher body weight.

Evidence from data searches and life-table analyses for gender-related differences in absolute risk of hip fracture after Colles' or spine fracture: Colles' fracture as an early and sensitive marker of skeletal fragility in white men.

UNLABELLED: Based on data searches and life-table analyses, we determined the long-term (remaining lifetime) and short-term (10- and 5-year) absolute risks of hip fracture after sustaining a Colles' or spine fracture and searched for potential gender-related differences. In aging men, Colles' fractures carry a higher absolute risk for hip fracture than spinal fractures in contrast to women. These findings support the concept that forearm fracture is an early and sensitive marker of male skeletal fragility. INTRODUCTION: Colles' fracture occurrence has been largely ignored in public health approaches to identify target populations at risk for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to estimate the long-term and short-term absolute risks of hip fracture after sustaining a Colles' or spine fracture and to search for potential gender-related differences in the relationship between fracture history and future fracture risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the long-term (remaining lifetime) and short-term (10- and 5-year) absolute risks of hip fracture, we applied life-table methods using U.S. age- and sex-specific hip fracture incidence rates, U.S. age-specific mortality rates for white women and men, pooled hazard ratios for mortality after Colles' and spine fracture, and pooled relative risks for hip fracture after Colles' and spine fracture, estimated from cohort studies by standard meta-analytic methods. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the estimated remaining lifetime risks are dependent on age in both genders. In women, remaining lifetime risks increase until the age of 80 years, when they start to decline because of the competing probabilities of fracture and death. The same pattern is found in men until the age of 85 years, the increment in lifetime risk being even more pronounced. As expected, the risk of sustaining a hip fracture was found to be higher in postmenopausal women with a previous spine fracture compared with those with a history of Colles' fracture. In men, on the other hand, the prospective association between fracture history and subsequent hip fracture risk seemed to be strongest for Colles' fracture. At the age of 50, for example, the remaining lifetime risk was 13% in women with a previous Colles' fracture compared with 15% in the context of a previous spine fracture and 9% among women of the general population. In men at the age of 50 years, the corresponding risk estimates were 8%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. Similar trends were observed when calculating 5- and 10-year risks. CONCLUSIONS: In aging men, Colles' fractures carry a higher absolute risk for hip fracture than spinal fractures in contrast to women. These findings support the concept that forearm fracture is an early and sensitive marker of male skeletal fragility. The gender-related differences reported in this analysis should be taken into account when designing screening and treatment strategies for prevention of hip fracture in men.

Fracturas de la extremidad distal del radio en el anciano / Distal radius fractures in elderly

Se realiza un estudio epidemiológico retrospectivo en 114 pacientes mayores de 65 años de edad que presentaban una fractura de la extremidad distal del radio (fractura de Colles). Se encontró una tasa de incidencia acumulada del 0,23 por ciento, mayor predominio del sexo femenino (87 por ciento de los casos), mayor procedencia del medio urbano (59 por ciento) y mayor presentación estacional en los meses de agosto y octubre. El tipo de fractura más frecuente fue el tipo II de Sarmiento (47 por ciento de los casos), con discreto predominio del lado derecho (56 por ciento). Este tipo de fractura se asoció a otras lesiones en el 15 por ciento de los casos, y en cuanto a la causa de producción un 85 por ciento se debió a un traumatismo moderado o leve (AU)

Fractura distal de antebrazo: revisión sistemática / Distal forearm fracture: a systematic review

La fractura distal de antebrazo (FDA) es una de las fracturas más frecuentes, y el 35% de los individuos que la padece presenta alguna complicación. Diferentes estudios poblacionales sugieren que esta fractura está asociada con una reducción de la masa ósea y con un incremento del riesgo de presentar otras fracturas por fragilidad, como la fractura de cadera. El propósito del presente estudio fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica sistemática de la epidemiología de la FDA. Ésta se realizó mediante la selección en Medline PubMed, TESEO e Índice Médico Español de un total de 623 referencias hasta el 31 de enero de 2002. La revisión sistemática de la FDA demuestra que su incidencia está alrededor de 280/100.000 personas-año, y es de cuatro a cinco veces más frecuente en mujeres que en varones. También demuestra que este tipo de fractura aumenta en la mujer a partir de los 45 años, mientras que en el varón su incidencia se mantiene constante a lo largo de la vida. La FDA en la mujer se asocia a traumatismos moderados y en el varón, aproximadamente el 50% está producido por traumatismos graves. Por último, la FDA ha sido considerada una fractura de baja morbilidad, pero la existencia de esta fractura, sobre todo en la mujer, nos debe alertar para poner en marcha los estudios y mecanismos necesarios para la valoración de una enfermedad metabólica ósea de base (AU)

Distal forearm fracture (DFF) is one of the most common fractures and 35% of patients present complications. Several population studies suggest that this fracture is associated with reduced bone mass and an increased risk for other fragilityrelated fractures, such as hip fracture. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic literature review of the epidemiology of DFF. A total of 623 articles published before 31 January 2992 were retrieved from MedLine PubMed, TESEO and Índice Médico Español. Systematic review of DFF demonstrates that the incidence of this fracture is approximately 280/100,000 persons per year and that it is four to five times more frequent in women than in men. The review also reveals that the incidence of DFF increases in women aged more than 45 years old while that in men remains constant throughout life. In women, DFF is associated with moderate trauma and in men approximately 50% of these fractures are produced by severe trauma. Finally, although DFF usually presents low morbidity, the possibility of underlying metabolic bone disease should be investigated, especially when this fracture occurs in women (AU)

The effect of vertebral fracture as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture and mortality in a Spanish population.

There is little data concerning the morbidity, mortality, and epidemiology of vertebral fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prevalent and incident vertebral fractures as risk factors for further osteoporotic fractures and mortality. The study was performed on a cohort of 316 women and 308 men older than 50 belonging to the EVOS study, randomly selected from our city register. At the beginning of the study and 4 years later, lateral dorsal and lumbar X-rays were performed. In addition, evaluation of the incidence of osteoporotic nonvertebral fractures was performed throughout 8 years. The incidence of all osteoporotic fractures was higher in women than in men (two-fold increase in vertebral fracture incidence and five-fold increase in Colles' and femur incidence). Vertebral fracture was a strong risk factor for a new vertebral fracture [RR=4.7 (1.8-11.9)], hip fracture [RR=6.7 (2.0-22.7)] and Colles' fracture [RR=3.0 (1.1-7.8)]. Prevalent and incident vertebral fractures were associated with a higher risk of having a hip fracture [RR=10.0 (2.0-50.2)] and Colles' fracture [RR=5.5 (1.3-23.4)]. In addition, in women, the vertebral fracture was associated with a higher mortality. By contrast, no association was found in men. These results demonstrate the association between a previous vertebral fracture with increments in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures of any type. In addition, we found a significantly higher mortality rate in women having vertebral fractures. These findings support the necessity of preventing the occurrence of vertebral fractures to limit their strong negative impact on mortality.

Secondary and tertiary prevention in the management of low-trauma fracture.

A significant risk factor for osteoporotic fracture is a previous atraumatic fracture. The objective of this study was to investigate whether patients with Colles fracture from minimal trauma were subsequently identified, assessed and treated for their elevated risk of fracture. Medical records at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Western Australia, from August 1999 to July 2000 were audited and 111 patients who had sustained a Colles fracture from minimal trauma were identified. Questionnaires were subsequently posted to participants to determine whether any assessment or treatment was undertaken outside the hospital system. According to documentation in the medical records, 9% (10/111) had their bone mineral density assessed, 15% (17/111) were receiving medical therapy for osteoporosis, 7% (8/111) had their falls risk assessed and 51% (58/111) were seen by a physiotherapist. Of the 58 who received physiotherapy, 76% (44/58) received upper limb exercises and 19% (11/58) received lower limb or balance exercises. Follow-up questionnaires one to two years after the fracture were returned by 43% (48/111) of the sample. By this time, 37% (18/48) had BMD assessed and 27% (13/48) were receiving medical therapy for osteoporosis. Thirty-five per cent (17/48) of patients recalled being advised to increase their calcium intake. Of those who reported more than one fall during the past 12 months, 62% (8/13) had been seen by a physiotherapist, 46% (6/13) reported having their balance assessed and 54% (7/13) reported having a home visit for assessment of rails etc. Despite the availability of effective treatments, a substantial proportion of patients with Colles fracture from minimal trauma are not all being identified, assessed or treated for their elevated risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture.

[Osteoporosis and Colles' fracture]. / Osteoporose og Colles' fraktur.

We describe the connection between osteoporosis and Colles' fractures of the distal radius from an epidemiological and aetiological point of view. In addition, the value of these fractures as markers of osteoporosis and future risk of fracture is assessed. Several studies have clearly shown an epidemiological association between osteoporosis and fractures of the distal radius, with the association strongest for women up to 65 years of age and for osteoporosis located in the forearm. The association weakens for other locations and for older women. Osteoporosis may have some aetiologic significance for the development of Colles' fractures, but several extraskeletal factors are of equal or further importance. The occurrence of a Colles' fracture in the first 10-15 years after the postmenopause indicates an increased relative risk of sustaining another fracture in the future. However the relative risk approaches one after a few years and, because of the comparatively low absolute risk in this age-group, Colles' fracture as a risk factor contributes little to an assessment of the lifetime fracture risk. In a few longitudinal studies, Colles' fractures could not predict the long-term risk of osteoporosis. The presence of a Colles' fracture should lead to considerations concerning the skeletal and extraskeletal causes of the fracture for the purpose of initiating preventive and therapeutic measures.

Distal forearm fracture history in an older community-dwelling population: the Nottingham Community Osteoporosis (NOCOS) study.

OBJECTIVES: to assess the prevalence of a history of Colles' fracture (occurring after the age of 40 years) and to ascertain the extent of investigation and treatment of osteoporosis in this population. METHODS: we studied subjects aged > or =60 years from the age-sex register of three general practices. We recorded a history of fractures and details of any previous investigation for osteoporosis and treatment with bone-protective drugs. Bone mineral density was performed at the heel using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Lunar PIXI machine). We classified subjects into normal, osteopaenic or osteoporotic according to the machine manufacturer's recommended World Health Organisation 'equivalent T-score thresholds' (0.6 for osteopaenia and 1.6 for osteoporosis). RESULTS: of the 605 subjects invited, we recruited 259 women and 194 men (response rate=74.8%). Twenty-eight (10.8%) of the women and five (2.6%) of the men had a history of Colles' fracture. Of women with a prevalent Colles' fracture, 39% were osteoporotic and 36% were osteopaenic. These rates were significantly greater than in women without a Colles' fracture (19.9% osteoporotic, 29.4% osteopaenic; P=0.018). Assuming the same PIXI thresholds for men, two (40%) of the five men with a history of Colles' fractures were osteoporotic and the rest were osteopaenic, compared with 20.6 and 31.2% of men without a history of Colles' fractures. None of the subjects in the Colles' fracture group had previously been investigated with bone densitometry. Women with and without a history of Colles' fracture did not differ significantly in ever having (32.1% vs 27.2%; P=0.4) or currently having (14.3% vs 10.4%; P=0.4) hormone replacement treatment. None of the men and only one woman with a previous Colles' fracture had ever taken a non-hormone replacement treatment for osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: older community-dwelling subjects with previous Colles' fracture have a high prevalence of osteoporosis and are under-investigated and under-treated. Methods for identifying subjects with a previous Colles' fracture need to be developed in primary and secondary care.