Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: a detailed survey on a large sample of patients in a suburban area

Abstract

Background Literature lacks data on correlations between epidemiology and clinical data of patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs). Aim The aim of this study was to present a detailed epidemiologic survey of a large consecutive series of patient with DRFs. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 827 consecutive patients (579 females, 248 men) who sustained a DRFs in the last 5 years. All fractures were radiographically evaluated. DRFs were classified according to Association of Osteosynthesis classification. Data on age, gender, side, period in which fracture occurred, and fracture mechanism were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. Results The patients’ mean age was 60.23 [standard deviation (SD) 16.65] years, with the left side being most frequently involved (56.1%). The mean age of females at the time of fracture was significantly higher than that of males. The most frequent pattern of fracture was the complete articular fracture (64.3%), while the most represented fracture type was 2R3A2.2 (21.5%). Regarding the period in which the fracture occurred, 305 DRFs (37.5%) were observed in the warmer months and 272 (33.4%) in the colder months. Low-energy trauma occurring outside home was found to be the major cause of DRF throughout the year. In both genders, trauma mechanism 2 was more frequent (59.4% F; 31.9% M; p < 0.01). A bimodal distribution of fracture mechanisms was found in males when considering the patient’s age with a high-energy mechanism of fracture (3 and 4), identified in 21% (n = 52) of males aged 18–45 years, and a low-energy mechanism (1 and 2) was observed in 39.9% (n = 99) of males aged > 45 years. A significant correlation between all trauma mechanisms (from 1 to 6) and different fracture patterns (complete, partial, and extraarticular) was found (p value < 0.001). The mean age of patients with extraarticular fractures (mean age 61.75 years; SD 18.18 years) was higher than that of those with complete (mean age 59.84 years; SD 15.67 years) and partial fractures (mean age 55.26 years; SD 18.31 years). Furthermore, considering different fracture patterns and patient age groups, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.001). Conclusions DRFs have a higher prevalence in females, an increase in incidence with older age, and no seasonal predisposition. Low-energy trauma occurring at home is the main cause of fracture among younger males sustaining fractures after sports trauma; Complete articular is the most frequent fracture pattern, while 2R3A2.2 is most frequent fracture type. Level of evidence Level IV; case series; descriptive epidemiology study.

Electric scooter-related orthopedic injuries: the experience of an Italian orthopedic center and literature review

“…According to the literature, distal radius fractures represent the most common fractures in adults with high-energy trauma, being the documented typical mechanism in younger patients. 23 …”

“…According to the literature, distal radius fractures represent the most common fractures in adults with high-energy trauma, being the documented typical mechanism in younger patients. 23 Siow et al described that although the most common orthopedic injuries involved the upper extremity, several patients sustained high-energy lower extremity injuries, including open fractures, pelvic ring injuries, fractures of the acetabulum, hip, femur, tibial plateau and pilon. 15 Regarding the site of injuries, our observations are in line with the available literature: the knee was the joint most commonly affected by trauma.…”

Evaluation of Educational YouTube Videos for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment

“…Approximately 80% of DRFs are treated nonoperatively. 1 , 24 However, only 17 (34%) of the videos discussed nonsurgical treatment, whereas 32 (64%) videos focused on surgical treatment. This may overemphasize the role of surgical management in treating DRFs, possibly due to the perceived salience of surgery.…”

“…Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common fractures in adults, exhibiting a bimodal distribution with the highest incidence in younger men and older women. 1 The incidence of DRFs is rising due to factors such as the aging population, increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, and rising popularity of e-scooters. 2 , 3 These fractures can lead to significant functional impairment from reduced hand mobility if there is suboptimal treatment or rehabilitation.…”

Comparison of Short-Arm Immobilization and Long-Arm Immobilization in Conservatively Managed Distal Radius Fractures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures in adult populations [ 20 ]. Conservative management in the form of closed reduction and immobilization is commonly used in elderly patients as it has shown equal efficacy when compared to operative fixation with regard to wrist pain and function [ 21 ].…”