INTRODUCTION Distal radius fractures (DRF) are a common injury, being a major cause of disability of the upper extremity. The aim of this prospective study is to assess the possible association between objective physical variables such as wrist range of movement (ROM), radiological parameters, and upper extremity disability (measured by the DASH questionnaire), after conser vative treatment of
... [Show full abstract] DRF. PATIENTS AND METHODS 44 patients with non-operatively managed DRF were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from July 2007 until September 2009. Inclusion criteria: unilateral DRF in skeletally mature patients, treated non-operatively with closed reduction and cast. Patients who sustained a previous fracture of the wrist, or bilateral wrist fracture, or with dementia, were excluded. After the closed reduction and inmovilization of the fracture in the A&E department we asked the patients to complete the DASH questionnaire, referring to their baseline pre-fracture state. 24.1% 23B 75% 23A After one year, 36 patients were still available for follow-up purposes. We assesed the following objective physical variables: supination arch. We recorded the following radiologic parameters: radial angulation, volar angulation and radial shortening. The patient-perceive d results were measure d by the DASH questionnaire, while pain was measured using the VAS scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 15.0. between the lost of ROM, neither with radiological malaligment nor with patient-perceived outcomes. But we the DASH (except item 26) questionnaire and the VAS score. DISCUSSION There are few published studies that have looked for a relationship between the radiological and functional outcomes of treatment of fracture of the distal radius based on analysis of patient-perceived results (and even fewer studies in which the DASH questionnaire was administered at the time of fracture) Many studies indicate that radiological malalignment, particularly when due to shortening of the radius, leads to a poor functional result. movement or radiological malalignment to be predictive of upper-limb disability, particularly in elderly patients, who have a lower functional demand.
