Abstract

Background: The relationship between radiographic and functional outcomes is controversial in the elderly. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between functional outcome and acceptable distal radius fracture (DRF) alignment in patients older than 60 years of age. Methods: This correlation study was carried out at the Central Metropolitan Health Service of Chile. A total of 180 patients diagnosed with extra-articular DRF, according to the AO classification, were prospectively recruited. Radiological parameters, including radial inclination, residual dorsal angulation, ulnar variance, and articular step-off, were evaluated to assess the results of orthopedic reduction. Functional outcome was assessed immediately following cast removal and again at the 6-month follow-up. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires were administered to assess upper extremity function, and the visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity. Results: Only 68 patients (37.8%) showed acceptable DRF alignment. After cast removal, the correlations between alignment and the functional outcome measures were as follows: DASH 0.071 (P =.546), PRWE 0.03 (P =.823), and VAS 0.12 (P =.631). At the 6-month follow-up, the correlations between alignment and the functional outcome measures were as follows: DASH 0.029 (P =.768), PRWE 0.014 (P =.895), and VAS 0.09 (P =.614). Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between acceptable alignment according to radiological parameters and short- or medium-term functional outcome in patients older than 60 years with extra-articular DRF treated conservatively.