Operative management of displaced fractures of the distal radius is associated with improved function but not in older adults : systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes of operative and nonoperative management in adults with a fracture of the distal radius, with a focus on the outcomes in older patients (aged ≥ 65 years).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing operative and nonoperative management of patients aged ≥ 18 years with dorsally displaced distal radius fractures were included. Operative management included open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), manipulation and Kirschner-wiring, or external fixation. Nonoperative management included cast/splint immobilization with or without closed reduction. Primary outcome was the 12-month Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Additional outcomes included the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), pain, complications, and radiological parameters. A sub-group analysis was undertaken for studies that reported outcomes in older adults (aged ≥ 65 years).

RESULTS

After screening 1,635 studies, 19 trials with 2,178 patients (mean age 63 years (18 to 98), 74% female) were included. Seven studies reported outcomes in older patients (n = 773). There were statistical but not clinically significant differences favouring surgery for PRWE at three months (mean difference (MD) -8.70, 95% CI -14.45 to -2.95; p = 0.003) and 12 months (MD -2.96, 95% CI -5.15 to -0.77; p = 0.008). There was a statistical but not clinically significant difference in DASH at three months (MD -10.58, 95% CI -13.15 to -8.01; p < 0.00001) and 12 months (MD -4.17, 95% CI -6.05 to -2.30; p < 0.001) favouring surgery. There was no difference in complications (odds ratio (OR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.76; p = 0.880). For older adults, there was no difference in the PRWE at three months (MD -8.53, 95% CI -18.13 to 1.07; p = 0.080) or 12 months (MD -2.13, 95% CI -4.60 to 0.33; p = 0.090), with no difference in complications (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.49; p = 0.620).

CONCLUSION

Operative management of adult dorsally displaced distal radius fractures was associated with superior functional outcomes according to the PRWE and DASH, but whether these are clinically meaningful is debatable. However, in older adults there was no significant or clinically meaningful benefit of surgery.