Comparison of functional outcomes for displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures managed by operative and non-operative methods: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

: Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common injuries seen in our day-to-day practice. It accounts for almost 4% of the injuries seen in the emergency department. Despite its high incidence and the substantial possible implications of suboptimal management, no high-level evidence regarding the best treatment method yet exists. The study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of extra articular distal radius fractures managed operatively with those managed conservatively. In this prospective cohort study conducted between November 2018 to September 2020, 18 to 65 years old patients with displaced extraarticular distal radial fracture were treated surgically or conservatively. DASH and Modified Mayo Wrist Score were calculated after a follow up of one year.: At the end of 12 months the patients were evaluated, and it was noticed that patients who were treated operatively had significantly better functional and clinical outcomes, as indicated by significantly higher Mayo scores than patients treated conservatively by casting (all p values < 0.05). The DASH scores were lower in the patients who had undergone operative management. Patients treated with volar plate fixation were able to resume activities of daily living few weeks earlier compared to those managed with K-wire fixation and conservative group. Therefore, we can conclude that volar plate fixation gives significantly better clinical and functional results than other methods of treatment.