Epidemiology of distal radius fracture in adults: A prospective study for 2 years in RIMS, Imphal

Abstract

Introduction: Distal radius fracture is one of the most common fractures encountered by an orthopaedician in daily practice. But because of lack of data, the causative factors especially in the developing and underdeveloped countries are not being understood and thus making its management difficult. The purpose of this study is to bridge this knowledge gap. Materials and Method: A hospital based prospective longitudinal study in RIMS, Imphal, Orthopaedic department for 2 years. All patients with distal radius fracture and willing to participate were included in the study. Data including history and physical examination were collected and patients followed up at regular interval and functional assessment of the wrist done. Result: Distal radius fracture was found to be more common in older age group (mean-57.1yrs) and female sex. Low energy fall was the most common mode of injury and fracture was more common on the left wrist. The DASH score at final follow-up was 8.61±0.07. Conclusion:Increased incidence of distal radius fracture with low energy fall in older age group and female sex may be attributed to decreased bone mineral density as in post menopausal osteoporosis. Conservative management given to all patients as majority patients had extra articular fracture and within acceptable limit. But open reduction and internal fixation is recommended for displaced intra articular and unstable fracture.