The Effect of Age and Sex on Early Postoperative Outcomes after Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: We aim to evaluate the impact of advanced age and sex on postoperative complications and radiographic outcomes after open reduction with internal fixation of distal radius fractures (DRF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review, including all patients who underwent open reduction with internal fixation of a DRF between 2012 and 2018 at a single level 1 trauma centre. We recorded patient age, sex, fracture classification (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA]), time from injury to surgical date, surgical duration, diabetes status, tobacco use, illicit drug use, history of osteoporosis, use of adjuvants, fixation type, postoperative radiographic restoration of normal parameters and early complications including loss of reduction within 30 days postoperatively. Advanced age was defined as age greater than 60 years. Results: A total of 521 patients underwent operative treatment - 264 males and 257 females. Males were twice as likely (23.5% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.0001) to sustain a type C3 fracture and be treated with a wrist spanning plate (5.3% vs. 0; p < 0.0001). A larger percentage of elderly patients undergoing operative treatment of DRF were female (20.2% vs. 5.7%; p < 0.0001) and females were more likely to carry a pre-injury diagnosis of osteoporosis (9.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001). And 100% of the elderly patients received were treated with a volar plate. The overall early loss of reduction was 7.5%. The overall complication rate was 8.2%. No differences in early postoperative complications were identified between sexes or age groups. Neither female sex nor advanced age was found to have increased risk of postoperative complications or early loss of reduction. Similar postoperative radiographic parameter measurements were obtained across groups as well. Conclusions: Our results support the idea that operative treatment of unstable DRF in elderly patients and women is a reasonable treatment option without significant increases in early postoperative complications. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic III).

Seasonal variation of surgically treated distal radius fracture in Japan using inpatient database: cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between seasonal variation and distal radius fractures using diagnosis procedure combination data in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were hospitalized patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal radius fracture as the primary injury at hospitals that introduced the diagnosis procedure combination system between April 2011 and March 2016. We obtained a summary table of the month of admission, region of residence, age at admission, and sex of the patients from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and evaluated it by month, region, age group, and sex. RESULTS: The total number of patients for the 5 years from 2011 to 2016 was 105,025. There were 29,224 male and 75,801 female participants, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.6. The mean age was 60.2 (standard deviation, 20.8) years. Distal radius fractures occurred more frequently in the winter, especially among female individuals in eastern Japan. Female participants aged ≥ 50 years tended to have a higher incidence of distal radius fracture in winter. The incidence of distal radius fracture among male participants aged 0-19 years was higher from spring to autumn. CONCLUSION: Surgically treated distal radius fractures occur frequently during the winter months among female individuals in eastern Japan or those aged ≥ 50 years and increase from school age to adolescence, especially in male individuals from spring to autumn. We should be aware of the high incidence of distal radius fractures in winter, especially in regions with snowfall and cold temperatures.

Distal radial fractures: a nationwide register study on corrective osteotomies after malunion.

The aim of the present study was to explore the incidence of corrective osteotomies after conservatively treated distal radial fracture and the risk for late correction depending on the patient's age. Based on data from the Finnish National Care Register of Health Care, Specialist Care, on all corrective osteotomies carried out in Finland during 2015-2019 in adults aged ≥20 years, we calculated the mean annual incidence rates per 100,000 person-years, standardized with the European Standard Population 2013. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated the risk of corrective osteotomies in various age groups. In total, 41,418 distal radial fractures were identified. Of those, 10,577 received surgical treatment in the acute phase. The incidence rate of primary operations for distal radial fractures was 47.9 per 100, 000 person-years. A total of 321 conservatively treated fractures needed corrective osteoteomy, with a surprisingly low mean annual incidence rate of 1.5 per 100,000 person-years. The risk for this was highest in patients in their fourth or fifth decade.Level of evidence: III.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: Elucidating mechanisms, comorbidities, and fracture classification using the national trauma data bank.

BACKGROUND: An update on the epidemiology of distal radius fractures in the United States is necessary, particularly as the elderly population grows. Additionally, age and frailty have been associated with complications following surgical fixation of DRFs. Herein, we utilize the National Trauma Data Bank, a robust nationwide resource, to investigate the relationship between demographics, comorbidities, injury and fracture characteristics, and admission details. METHODS: Patients with isolated distal radius fractures were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2016-2019) according to ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multivariate regressions were conducted to determine independent risk factors for bilateral fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, as well as length of hospital stay and adverse discharge disposition for patients undergoing inpatient surgical fixation. RESULTS: The incidence of DRFs was 3.6/1,000 trauma-related emergency department visits and 10.8/1,000 upper extremity traumas. Trauma mechanism was significantly associated with displaced and open fractures. Age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.01), BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02), smoking (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57), and alcohol level (trace: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.41-3.29; intoxicated: OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.63-2.95) were significantly associated with open fractures. Machinery (ß=2.04, 95% CI 1.00-3.08) and MVT (ß=0.39, 95% CI 0.08-0.69) mechanisms were independent risk factors for longer length of stay. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor, in a stepwise fashion, for both length of stay and adverse discharge disposition. CONCLUSIONS: High-energy mechanisms and risk factors for poor skin quality were significantly associated with open fractures. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor for longer length of stay and non-routine discharges in patients of all ages, despite controlling for other comorbidities, unrelated complications, and mechanism of injury. Trauma mechanism was an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay only, particularly in patients younger than 65 years of age.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in Germany - incidence rates and trends based on inpatient and outpatient data.

We examined incidence rates (IR) for all distal radius fracture (DRF) events based on inpatient and outpatient data from a large statutory health insurance in Germany. Of all DRF, 56% were treated as inpatients, and thus, 44% treated as outpatients. IR were higher in women than in men. PURPOSE: Although a distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the most common fractures in the elderly population, epidemiological data are limited. Many studies examine only hospitalized patients, do not analyze time trends, or include only small populations. In this retrospective population-based observational study, routine data on inpatient and outpatient care of persons aged ≥ 60 years insured by a large statutory health insurance in Germany were analyzed from 2014 to 2018. METHODS: DRF were identified by ICD-10 codes. All DRF events of an individual were considered with a corresponding individual washout period. Incidence rates (IR) and time trends were estimated assuming a Poisson distribution per 100,000 person-years, with 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] and age-sex standardization to the German population in 2018. Associations of calendar year, age, sex, and comorbidity with IR were examined using Poisson regression estimating incidence rate ratios (IRR) with CI. RESULTS: The study population consists of 974,332 insured individuals, with 16,557 experiencing one or more DRF events during the observation period. A total of 17,705 DRF events occurred, of which 9961 (56.3%) were hospitalized. Standardized IR were 439 [424-453] (inpatient: 240 [230-251], outpatient: 199 [189-209]) in 2014 and 438 [423-452] (inpatient: 238 [227-249], outpatient: 200 [190-210]) in 2018. Female sex, older age, and comorbidity were associated with higher IR and adjusted Poisson regression showed no significant time trend (IRR overall 0.994 [0.983-1.006]). CONCLUSION: A relevant proportion of DRF were treated in outpatient settings, so both inpatient and outpatient data are necessary for a valid estimate.

Treatment and outcome of AO/OTA type C distal radius fractures: 12 199 fractures from the Swedish Fracture Register.

The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology, treatment, and patient-reported outcome of AO/OTA type C distal radius fractures (DRF) using data from a large national fracture register. We used prospectively collected data from the Swedish Fracture Register covering all AO/OTA type C DRFs registered between April 2012 and December 2018. Data on fracture type, epidemiology, trauma-mechanism, and treatment had been recorded by the treating physician. Patients had been sent an outcome questionnaire including EQ-VAS, EQ-5D, and the SMFA at the time of injury and 12 months after. A total of 12 199 cases with AO/OTA type C fracture were identified. AO/OTA type C1 fracture was most common, with 5400 cases, followed by AO type C2 with 4304 and AO/OTA type C3 with 2495. Cast treatment and surgical treatment with volar locking plate fixation were the most common treatments. Patient-reported outcome measures worsened significantly one year after the fracture, and 56% reported moderate problems with pain and discomfort one year after the fracture. Patients treated with a volar plate reported a significantly larger deterioration in EQ-5D outcome compared to patients treated with a cast. No treatment method was found to be superior. A good outcome after a type C fracture is possible, but many patients do not recover completely. Our findings indicate a relatively better self-reported outcome for patients treated with a cast, but as treatment was not randomized the clinical relevance is unclear.

Characteristics of distal radius fractures in east China-an observational cohort study of 1954 individual fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and seasonal patterns of distal radius fractures (DRFs) over the preceding five years, with the aim of establishing a clinical foundation for the prevention and management of such fractures within this region. METHODS: Utilizing the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), the clinical records of 1954 patients diagnosed with DRFs and admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University between January 2017 and December 2021 were compiled. The analysis encompassed factors such as age, gender, visitation timing, fracture side, and presence of osteoporosis. RESULTS: Out of the total 1954 distal radius fractures, 731 were males (37.4%) and the male to female ratio was 0.59:1. The median age of patients with DRFs was 56 years, with the 25th percentile being 38 years and the 75th percentile being 67 years. The average age was 50 years (standard deviation 23.3) and 1033 cases (52.7%) occurred on the left side, 885 cases (45.1%) on the right side, and 36 cases (1.8%) were bilateral, with the left side being the most frequently affected. The age group of 61-70 years (23.9%, 467/1954) exhibited the highest proportion, and the most prominent age group for males was 11-20 years (23.8%, 174/731), whereas for females it was 61-70 years (30.83%, 377/1223). In the 50 years and older group, there were 276 males and 991 females (ratio 1:3.59), with osteoporosis in 536 cases, accounting for 42.03% of the group. In terms of seasonal distribution, the highest incidence occurred during the summer and autumn months (55.1%, 1076/1954) and there were gender differences in different seasons. CONCLUSION: In east China, DRFs were predominantly female and left-sided, with the highest proportion in the age group of 61-70 years and in summer and autumn. Furthermore, gender differences were observed between the warm and cold seasons.

How common are refractures in childhood?

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of refractures among children, following fractures of all long bones, and to identify when the risk of refracture decreases. Methods: All patients aged under 16 years with a fracture that had occurred in a bone with ongoing growth (open physis) from 1 May 2015 to 31 December 2020 were retrieved from the Swedish Fracture Register. A new fracture in the same segment within one year of the primary fracture was regarded as a refracture. Fracture localization, sex, lateral distribution, and time from primary fracture to refracture were analyzed for all long bones. Results: Of 40,090 primary fractures, 348 children (0.88%) sustained a refracture in the same long bone segment. The diaphyseal forearm was the long bone segment most commonly affected by refractures (n = 140; 3.4%). The median time to refracture was 147 days (interquartile range 82 to 253) in all segments of the long bones combined. The majority of the refractures occurred in boys (n = 236; 67%), and the left side was the most common side to refracture (n = 220; 62%). The data in this study suggest that the risk of refracture decreases after 180 days in the diaphyseal forearm, after 90 days in the distal forearm, and after 135 days in the diaphyseal tibia. Conclusion: Refractures in children are rare. However, different fractured segments run a different threat of refracture, with the highest risk associated with diaphyseal forearm fractures. The data in this study imply that children who have sustained a distal forearm fracture should avoid hazardous activities for three months, while children with a diaphyseal forearm fracture should avoid these activities for six months, and for four and a half months if they have sustained a diaphyseal tibia fracture.

Changes in the incidence and treatment of distal radius fractures in adults - a 22-year nationwide register study of 276,145 fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of distal radius fractures (DRFs) is reported, with conflicting results. To ensure evidence-based practice, the variation in treatment over time should be monitored. Treatment in the elderly population is particularly interesting because newer guidelines find little indication for surgery. Our primary aim was to assess the incidence and treatment of DRFs in the adult population. Secondly, we assessed the treatment stratified on non-elderly (aged 18-64 years) and elderly (aged 65+ years) patients. METHODS: This is a population-based register study comprising all adult patients (i.e. aged over 18 years) with DRFs in the Danish National Patient Register from 1997 to 2018. Data were extracted using the ICD-10 code for DRF (DS52.5), and the incidence was calculated using data from Statistics Denmark. We defined a case as surgically treated if a relevant procedure was performed within three weeks of the DRF diagnosis. Nordic procedure codes were used to define surgical treatments as either plate (KNCJ65), external fixation (KNCJ25), k-wire (KNCJ45), or 'other' (KNCJ35,55,75,85,95). RESULTS: A total of 276,145 fractures were included, with an overall increase in DRFs of 31% during the study period. The overall incidence was 228/100,000/year, which increased by 20% during the study period. The increased incidence was especially notable among women and those aged 50-69 years. Surgical treatment steadily increased from 8% in 1997 to 22% in 2010, thereafter reaching a plateau at 24% in 2018. The surgical rate in the elderly group was as high as in the non-elderly group. In 1997, the treatment distribution of DRFs was as follows: 59% external fixation, 20% plate fixation, and 18% k-wire fixation. From 2007 and onwards, plating was the primary choice of surgery, and in 2018, 96% of patients were treated with a plate. CONCLUSION: We found a 31% increase in DRFs over a 22-year period, mostly driven by an increase in the size of the elderly population. The surgical rate increased markedly even in the elderly group. There is a lack of evidence on how beneficial surgery is for elderly patients, and similar surgical rate between the elderly and non-elderly calls for hospitals to re-evaluate their treatment strategies.

Incidence and risk factors for complex regional pain syndrome in radius fractures: meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in radius fractures. METHODS: The meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases. Studies focusing on patients with conservative or surgically treated radius fractures leading to CRPS were included. A control group consisting of patients with radius fractures and no CRPS (-) was included. The outcome measures were incidence and risk factors. Comparative studies were also included. Data were combined using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Out of 610 studies, nine studies were included. The incidence of CRPS after radius fractures ranged from 0.19 to 13.63% (95% CI: 11.12-16.15%). Open fractures, high-energy mechanisms in radial head fractures, and associations with ulnar fractures were risk factors for CRPS [(RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-1.00), (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07-0.47), and (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.17-1.35), respectively]. Other risk factors were female sex and high body mass index [(RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05-1.37) and (MD: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.45-1.88)]. Psychiatric factors also increased the incidence of CRPS (RR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.83-2.28). On the other hand, the type of surgery (external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation) and manipulations; associated comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension) together with tobacco and alcohol abuse; marital status, educational level, employment status, and socioeconomic status were not risk factors (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CRPS in radius fractures was 13.63%. Fractures with greater complexity or greater associated tissue damage, female sex, high BMI, and psychiatric disorders were risk factors for the development of CRPS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of cohort and case series studies; II.

Change in treatment preferences in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures: a Danish nationwide register study of 36,244 fractures between 1997 and 2016.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The choice between invasive and non-invasive treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children can be difficult. We investigated the trends in choice of treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures over a 20-year period.  Patients and methods: This is a population-based register study with data from 1997 to 2016 retrieved from the Danish National Patient Registry. The primary outcome was choice of primary treatment within 1 week divided into non-invasive treatment (casting only or closed reduction including casting) and invasive (Kirshner wires, intramedullary nailing [IMN], and open reduction internal fixation [ORIF]). The secondary outcomes were further sub-analyses on invasive treatment and age groups. RESULTS: 36,244 diaphyseal forearm fractures were investigated, yielding a mean incidence of 172 per 105/year. The proportion of fractures treated invasively increased from 1997 to 2016, from 4% to 23%. The use of Kirschner wires increased from 1% to 9%, IMN increased from 1% to 14%, and ORIF decreased from 2% to 1%. The changes were evident in all age groups but smaller in the 0-3-year age group. CONCLUSION: We found an increase in invasive treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures over the investigated period. A change in invasive methods was also found, as the rate of IMN increased over the investigated period and became the predominant surgical treatment choice.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Isolated Distal Radius Fractures in Children: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Registry.

INTRODUCTION: More than 1 in 4 pediatric fractures involves the distal radius. Most prior epidemiologic studies are limited to retrospective, single center investigations, and often include adults. This study aims to describe the contemporary epidemiology of pediatric distal radius fractures using prospectively collected data from a multicenter Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture Registry. METHODS: Patients aged 4 to 18 years diagnosed with a distal radius fracture from June 2018 through December 2019 at 4 tertiary care pediatric centers were screened and enrolled in this prospective longitudinal cohort study. Patients were excluded if they presented with bilateral distal radius fractures, polytrauma, or re-fracture. Demographic information, mechanism of injury, fracture characteristics, associated injuries, and procedural information were recorded. All radiographs were reviewed and measured. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1951 patients were included. The mean age was 9.9±3.3 years, and 61.3% of patients were male ( P <0.001). Most injuries occurred during a high-energy fall (33.5%) or sports participation (28.4%). The greatest proportion of fractures occurred during the spring months (38.5%). Torus fractures (44.0%) were more common than bicortical (31.3%) or physeal (21.0%) fractures. Of the physeal fractures, 84.3% were Salter-Harris type II. Associated ulnar fractures were observed in 51.2% of patients. The mean age at injury was higher for patients with physeal fractures (11.6±2.9 y) than patients with torus or bicortical fractures (9.4±3.1 and 9.6±3.1 y, respectively; P <0.001). Thirty-six percent of distal radius fractures underwent closed reduction and 3.3% underwent surgical fixation. Patients treated with closed reduction were more likely to be male (68.7% vs. 57.2%; P <0.001), obese (25.3% vs. 17.2%; P <0.001), and have bicortical fractures (62.2% vs. 14.5%; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Distal radius fractures in children have a male preponderance and are most likely to occur in the spring months and during high-energy falls and sports. Physeal fractures tend to occur in older children while torus and bicortical fractures tend to occur in younger children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I-prognostic.

Incidence and pattern of concurrent capitellum fracture associated with radial head and neck fractures.

BACKGROUND: Radial head and neck fracture is a common fracture around the elbow. It is mostly caused by axial or valgus loading after a fall in elbow extension and forearm pronation. When a radial head and neck fracture occurs, the capitellum collides with the radial head and experiences a shear force, leading to capitellum fracture. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of concurrent capitellum fracture and analyze its patterns among patients treated for radial head and neck fractures based on computed tomography. Secondary aim is to determine factors associated with concurrent capitellum fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Capitellum fractures are more common than expected in radial head and neck fractures and show a consistent pattern. With the higher the Mason type fracture, the higher the incidence of concurrent capitellum fracture will be shown. METHODS: A total of 101 patients treated surgically (27 patients) or non-surgically (74 patients) for radial head and neck fractures from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Initial computed tomography was reviewed to identify concurrent capitellum fractures. A fracture was diagnosed when the bone continuity was lost in two consecutive images in any one of the three directions of computed tomography scan images. Seventeen patients with capitellum fractures were classified as group 1 and 84 patients without capitellum fractures as group 2. Each group of patients was assessed using Mason classification, whether fracture extended to the radial neck or not, fracture location, and treatment method. To determine the fracture location, radial head was trisected using three anatomical landmarks: safe zone, posteromedial zone, and anteromedial zone. And it was determined as the location where the fracture was most comminuted. RESULTS: The average age of the 101 patients was 44.6 years old. There were 54 (53.5%) males and 47 (46.5%) females. Capitellum fracture was accompanied in 17 cases. Its incidence was 16.8%. The rate of accompanying capitellum fracture was 9.5% (6/63) for Mason type 1, 25.0% (6/24) for Mason type 2, and 41.7% (5/12) for Mason type 3. The ratio of radial neck extension of fracture was significantly higher in group 2. There was no isolated radial neck fracture in group 1. However, there were 33 in group 2. After eliminating isolated radial neck fracture patients, significantly more fractures were located in the safety zone in group 1. Group 1 had a significantly higher rate of surgical treatment than group 2 (52.9% (9/17) vs. 21.4% (18/84) p=0.007). CONCLUSION: For radial head and neck fractures, the higher the Mason type fracture, the higher the incidence of concurrent capitellum fracture. When the fracture extended to the radial neck, the comorbidity of the capitellum fracture was decreased. Among radial head fractures, when the fracture was located in the safe zone, the comorbidity of capitellum fracture was increased. The rate of surgical treatment was higher in radial head and neck fracture patients with concurrent capitellum fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; diagnostic study.

The impact of shoulder pathology on individuals with distal radius fracture.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pathology can occur concurrently with a distal radius fracture (DRF) but few studies have examined this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to expand the understanding of the impact of shoulder pathology on individuals with DRF. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed Methods Design. METHODS: A total of 45 participants with a DRF were categorized into a DRF only (n = 29) and shoulder pathology concurrent with DRF (SPCDRF) (n = 16) groups. Quantitative data gathered included demographics, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, Visual Analog Scale, and Compensatory Mechanism Checklist. Qualitative interviews were performed with 7 participants in the SPCDRF group. Within group correlations were analyzed via the Spearman Rank. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the two groups. Qualitative analysis was performed to describe the experience of participants in the SPCDRF group. A mixed methods analysis compared quantitative and qualitative data. RESULTS: Sixteen participants (35.6%) in the sample presented with shoulder pathology; 6 participants (37.5%) presented at initial evaluation due to the fall; 10 participants (62.5%) developed shoulder pathology due to compensation or disuse. Average number of days to develop shoulder pathology after the DRF was 43 days. SPCDRF participants had significantly greater pain levels (p = .02) and more activity avoidance (p = .03) than the DRF only group. Four qualitative themes emerged: It's difficult to perform occupations and changes had to be made; There is fear and uncertainty; The impact of pain; Tried to be normal but could not Mixed methods analysis found that qualitative data further illuminated quantitative findings. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with shoulder pathology concurrent with a DRF may present with higher pain levels and avoid activity more. In addition, they may describe fearfulness in using their injured upper extremity especially if they have high levels of pain. STUDY DESIGN: Mixed Methods Design.

A Six-Year Clinical Profile of Distal Radius Fractures in a South Asian Population.

Background: The description, types and management of distal radius fractures have not been evaluated for a South Asian population. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical profile of distal radius fractures in adults over a 6-year period. Methods: The medical records of distal radius fracture patients, aged 18 years and above admitted between August 2014 and 2020 were assessed. Epidemiological profile, fracture classification, treatment and reasons for implant removal were assessed. Results: A total of 1066 distal radius fractures in 1005 inpatients were identified. The mean age was 42.1 ± 15.3 years (50.2 years [male] & 39.7 years [female]). A total of 65.5% patients sustained high-energy injury. 38.6% (n = 411) of fractures were classified as extra-articular AO-23-A, 24.3% (n = 259) as partially intra-articular AO-23-B and 39% (n = 416) as intra-articular AO-23-C. The treatment was non-surgical for 20.9% and surgical for 79.1% of cases. Plate fixation was the most frequently used surgical method followed by percutaneous pinning and external fixation. The proportion of patients treated by each modality remained constant based on a year-wise analysis of data. A total of 56 patients underwent implant removal, most commonly at the request of the patient. Conclusions: Our study is the longest study in a South Asian setting where the population is younger, with a male pre-ponderance, sustaining high-energy injury as compared to the literature. This can be attributed to our study population being inpatients only. As population-based fracture registry is not available in our country, hospital-based studies such as ours provide the best option to study fracture patterns, distribution and trends in treatment. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: a detailed survey on a large sample of patients in a suburban area.

BACKGROUND: Literature lacks data on correlations between epidemiology and clinical data of patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs). AIM: The aim of this study was to present a detailed epidemiologic survey of a large consecutive series of patient with DRFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 827 consecutive patients (579 females, 248 men) who sustained a DRFs in the last 5 years. All fractures were radiographically evaluated. DRFs were classified according to Association of Osteosynthesis classification. Data on age, gender, side, period in which fracture occurred, and fracture mechanism were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 60.23 [standard deviation (SD) 16.65] years, with the left side being most frequently involved (56.1%). The mean age of females at the time of fracture was significantly higher than that of males. The most frequent pattern of fracture was the complete articular fracture (64.3%), while the most represented fracture type was 2R3A2.2 (21.5%). Regarding the period in which the fracture occurred, 305 DRFs (37.5%) were observed in the warmer months and 272 (33.4%) in the colder months. Low-energy trauma occurring outside home was found to be the major cause of DRF throughout the year. In both genders, trauma mechanism 2 was more frequent (59.4% F; 31.9% M; p < 0.01). A bimodal distribution of fracture mechanisms was found in males when considering the patient's age with a high-energy mechanism of fracture (3 and 4), identified in 21% (n = 52) of males aged 18-45 years, and a low-energy mechanism (1 and 2) was observed in 39.9% (n = 99) of males aged > 45 years. A significant correlation between all trauma mechanisms (from 1 to 6) and different fracture patterns (complete, partial, and extraarticular) was found (p value < 0.001). The mean age of patients with extraarticular fractures (mean age 61.75 years; SD 18.18 years) was higher than that of those with complete (mean age 59.84 years; SD 15.67 years) and partial fractures (mean age 55.26 years; SD 18.31 years). Furthermore, considering different fracture patterns and patient age groups, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DRFs have a higher prevalence in females, an increase in incidence with older age, and no seasonal predisposition. Low-energy trauma occurring at home is the main cause of fracture among younger males sustaining fractures after sports trauma; Complete articular is the most frequent fracture pattern, while 2R3A2.2 is most frequent fracture type. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; case series; descriptive epidemiology study.

The risk factors for subsequent fractures after distal radius fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for subsequent fractures after distal radius fracture (DRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 705 patients with DRF who performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within six months before or after the DRF and followed more than 12 months. We identified patients with subsequent fractures and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted with demographic information, underlying disease status, and bone fragility parameters at the time of DRF to evaluate the risk factors for subsequent fractures. RESULTS: Subsequent fractures occurred in 56 patients (7.9% of 705 patients) with 65 fractures at a mean time of 33.5 months after DRF. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age (OR 1.032; 95% CI, 1.001-1.064, p = 0.044), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 2.663; 95% CI, 1.429-4.963, p = 0.002) and previous fracture history (OR 1.917; 95% CI, 1.019-3.607, p = 0.043), and low total hip BMD (OR 1.410; 95% CI, 1.083-1.836, p = 0.011) were significant risk factors for the occurrence of subsequent fractures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that older age, DM, previous fracture history and low hip BMD are the risk factors for subsequent fractures after DRF. Active glycemic control would have a role in patients with DM and a more aggressive treat-to-target approach may be necessary for patients with low BMDs to prevent subsequent fractures after DRF.

Paediatric forearm fractures manipulated in the emergency department: incidence and risk factors for re-manipulation under general anaesthesia.

AIM: Re-manipulation of paediatric forearm fractures under general anaesthetic may be required following inadequate closed reduction under conscious sedation. Manipulation under general anaesthetic carries significant inherent risks and is preferably avoided. We assessed one institution's experience with paediatric forearm fracture reduction and investigate the incidence of re-manipulation under general anaesthetic of fractures initially managed under conscious sedation without fluoroscopy. METHOD: All paediatric forearm fractures presenting to the children's emergency department of our national children's hospital between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019 were studied. Radius and ulna fractures were categorised according to fracture location (distal third, middle third, proximal third), any associated injury, and any plan to proceed to the operating room that was documented prior to manipulation in the emergency department. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out to test for differences between discrete and continuous data and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Three-hundred and nine patients presented during the study period with 267 being eligible for analysis. Fifteen point seven percent (42/267) required fracture manipulation in the operating theatre following initial reduction in the children's emergency department. Independent risk factors associated with significantly higher rates of failed reduction under conscious sedation (p<0.001-0004) were patients who had a delay in presentation to hospital, were older, or had a non-distal fracture site. CONCLUSION: There are higher rates of re-manipulation under general anaesthetic in children presenting to the emergency department of our national children's hospital with forearm fractures than seen in comparative international studies. Risk factors which predict an inadequate initial reduction and interventions to improve this are discussed.

Secular trends in incidence and seasonal variation of distal radius fracture among children: A nationwide study based on the Swedish National Patient Register 2002-2016.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common fracture type in children, research on its seasonality across different age groups is limited. We investigated secular trends in incidence and seasonal variation of pediatric DRF based on Swedish nationwide population database. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this observational study, data for all children aged <18 years in Sweden with DRF defined by ICD-codes were analyzed for each month and each year during 2002-2016 using the Swedish National Patient Register. The general population counts for each age and sex-category were acquired to evaluate population at risk for each period. We calculated the age standardized and sex specific annual incidence rates, seasonal incidence rates, and monthly incidence rates and analyzed the seasonal variation in the mechanisms of injury. RESULTS: A total of 155,891 DRF cases were identified. The age standardized and sex specific incidence rate was 531 (95%CI 528-533) per 100,000 patient years at risk. Fracture risk was highest during summer and lowest in the winter. The highest seasonal variation was observed among boys 2- < 5 years. The crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rates in winter significantly decreased between 2002 and 2016 (annual percentage change, -2 %). INTERPRETATION: We found significant seasonal variation in DRF among all age groups in Swedish children. The findings can help in developing strategies to prevent fractures as well as in allocating medical and social resources.