Application of fast track surgery in surgical treatment of distal radius fractures in the elderly

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of fast track surgery in surgical treatment of internal fixation for the elderly patients with distal radius fractures. Methods From January 2014 to December 2015, 121 elderly patients (age≥65 years) with distal radius fractures who treated with internal fixation by anatomic locking plate through volar approach were retrospectively analyzed. 64 cases were treated by fast track surgery (group A) and 57 cases received routine treatment during perioperative period (group B). The perioperative complications, hospitalization time and wrist function of the two groups were compared, and the short-term clinical effects of the two groups were observed. Results In group A, the incidence of central nervous system disease, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, VAS score at 48 hours after the operation and the time of postoperative hospitalization were lower than those in group B (P=0.006,P=0.014,P=0.000,P=0.000). At 12 weeks postoperatively, wrist Gartland-Werley score in group A was significantly better than that in group B. Conclusion The application of fast track surgery in the elderly with distal radius fractures can promote early rehabilitation, shorten hospitalization time and reduce related complications. Key words: Radius fractures; Treatment outcome; Fast track surgery; Elderly; Perioperative period