Low-energy Distal Radius Fracture Research Articles

Serial Range of Motion and Grip Strength Measurements, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Radiographic Thresholds Associated With Less Satisfactory Outcomes After Low-Energy Distal Radius Fracture in Women Aged 50 Years and Older

To document the change of clinical (wrist motion and grip strength) measurements and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores at 9 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after distal radius fracture (DRF) in women 50 years and older with exclusively isolated, displaced, and low-energy DRFs treated by either closed and/or open reduction and to relate these outcomes to their radiographic results. In this retrospective single-institution cohort study, patients' post-DRF clinical measurements and PRWE scores were prospectively collected from December 2007 through September 2018 and stratified according to their final radiographic values of volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination. Of the 1,319 women identified, 1,126 (85%) were treated nonsurgically, and 193 (15%) were treated operatively. At 12 months, patients averaged restoration (ratio of injured and uninjured sides' values) of 96% pronation, 95% extension, 91% supination, 81% flexion, and 80% (77% nondominant, 85% dominant) grip strength. The mean PRWE score was 39.5 at week 9 and 14.4 at 12 months with 54% of patients scoring <10 and 13% scoring zero. The mean volar/dorsal tilt, ulnar variance, and radial inclination values in those treated nonsurgically were 1.4° dorsal,+3.9 mm, and 18.0°, respectively. Analogous values in patients treated surgically were 6° volar,+2.6 mm, and 22°, respectively. Volar tilt ≥25°, dorsal tilt >10°, ulnar variance >+7.5 mm, and radial inclination ≤13° were thresholds beyond which motion and grip strength were reduced and/or PRWE scores increased. In general, older patients experienced more residual deformity and were less likely to have undergone surgery. Generally, outcomes were satisfactory for patients with radiographic results within identified thresholds for acceptable fracture reduction. Outcomes were significantly less favorable for patients with radiographic results beyond these thresholds; for these patients, early surgical intervention should be considered. Low-energy DRFs should prompt bone density investigation. Therapeutic 2b.

Incidence and predictors of dorsal comminution in older adults with low-energy distal radius fracture.

To identify the incidence of dorsal comminution using computed tomography (CT) images and identify predictors of this phenomenon in older adults with low-energy distal radius fractures (DRFs). A total of 150 patients aged > 50 years with fall-induced dorsally angulated DRFs were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of dorsal comminution, defined as a metaphyseal void of greater than one-third of the maximum posterior to anterior depth of the bone on at least three cuts in the sagittal plane on post-reduction CT images. Data on participants' basic demographics, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and AO classification of DRFs, were collected. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using T-scores of the femoral neck, and cortical thickness of the distal radius was determined from plain post-reduction radiographs. Radiological parameters and combined ulnar fractures were measured on plain pre-reduction radiographs. Among study participants, 91 (61%) had dorsal comminution, whereas 59 (39%) had no dorsal comminution on CT images. Both patient groups were compared based on presence of dorsal comminution, and showed no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, BMD, or cortical thickness on radiographs. However, all radiological parameters were better in the no dorsal comminution group than in the dorsal comminution group, and the proportion of patients with combined ulnar fractures was higher in the dorsal comminution group. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of combined ulnar fractures was the only significant predictor of dorsal comminution (p = 0.029, odds ratio = 2.267, 95% confidence interval: 1.085-4.736). The incidence of dorsal comminution is relatively high in patients with low-energy DRFs aged > 50 years. In particular, the presence of combined ulnar fractures is closely associated with dorsal comminution of DRFs. Thus, surgeons should exercise caution when evaluating this phenomenon.

Bone Health Screening Prior to Medicare Eligibility—Osteoporosis Screening and Fracture Prevention After Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Aged 50–59

Current guidelines recommend bone mineral density (BMD) testing after fragility fractures in patients aged 50 years or older. This study aimed to assess BMD testing and subsequent fragility fractures after low-energy distal radius fractures (DRFs) among patients aged 50-59 years. We used the 2010-2020 MarketScan dataset to identify patients with initial DRFs with ages ranging between 50 and 59 years. We assessed the 1-year BMD testing rate and 3-year non-DRF fragility fracture rate. We created Kaplan-Meier plots to depict fragility fracture-free probabilities over time and used log-rank tests to compare the Kaplan-Meier curves. Among 78,389 patients aged 50-59 years with DRFs, 24,589 patients met our inclusion criteria, and most patients were women (N= 17,580, 71.5%). The BMD testing rate within 1 year after the initial DRF was 12.7% (95% CI, 12.3% to 13.2%). In addition, 1-year BMD testing rates for the age groups of 50-54 and 55-59 years were 10.4% (95% CI, 9.9% to 11.0%) and 14.9% (95% CI, 14.2% to 15.6%), respectively. Only 1.8% (95% CI, 1.5% to 2.1%) of men, compared with 17.1% (95% CI, 16.5% to 17.7%) of women, underwent BMD testing within 1 year after the initial fracture. The overall 3-year fragility fracture rate was 6.0% (95% CI, 5.6% to 6.3%). The subsequent fragility fracture rate was lower for those with any BMD testing (4.4%; 95% CI, 3.7% to 5.2%), compared with those without BMD testing (6.2%; 95% CI, 5.9% to 6.6%; P < .05). We report a low BMD testing rate for patients aged between 50 and 59 years after initial isolated DRFs, especially for men and patients aged between 50 and 54 years. Patients who received BMD testing had a lower rate of subsequent fracture within 3 years. We recommend that providers follow published guidelines and initiate an osteoporosis work-up for patients with low-energy DRFs to ensure early diagnosis. This provides an opportunity to initiate treatment that may prevent subsequent fractures. Prognosis II.

Evaluating Male Patients’ Understanding of Osteoporosis Evaluation and Treatment Following a Distal Radius Fracture

Current estimates suggest that 1-2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis, yet the majority of osteoporosis literature focuses on postmenopausal women. Our aim was to understand men's awareness and knowledge of osteoporosis and its treatment. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 male patients >50 years old who sustained a low-energy distal radius fracture. The goal was to ascertain patients' knowledge of osteoporosis, its management, and experience discussing osteoporosis with their primary care physicians (PCP). Participants had little knowledge of osteoporosis or its treatment. Many participants regarded osteoporosis as a women's disease. Most participants expressed concern regarding receiving a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Several patients stated that they believe osteoporosis may have contributed to their fracture. Families, friends, or mass media served as the primary information source for participants, but few had good self-reported understanding of the disease itself. The majority of participants reported never having discussed osteoporosis with their PCPs although almost half had received a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan. Participants expressed general interest in being tested/screened and generally were willing to undergo treatment despite the perception that medication has serious side effects. One patient expressed concern that treatment side effects could be worse than having osteoporosis. Critical knowledge gaps exist regarding osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in at-risk male patients. Specifically, most patients were unaware they could be osteoporotic because of the perception of osteoporosis as a women's disease. Most patients had never discussed osteoporosis with their PCP. Male patients remain relatively unaware of osteoporosis as a disease entity. Opportunity exists for prevention of future fragility fractures by improving communication between patients and physicians regarding osteoporosis screening in men following low-energy distal radius fractures.

Dorsal bridging plates for the treatment of high and low energy distal radius fractures

Distal radius fractures are common and treatment of complex fracture pattens can be challenging. We assessed functional outcomes, radiographic analysis, and complications of 26 distal radius fractures treated with dorsal bridging plate (DBP) at a mean of 14 months post plate removal (6–34 months). Radiographic parameters were measured pre- and post-operatively and patient reported wrist evaluation scores, patient reported wrist range of movement and satisfaction scores. Mean post-operative total PRWE was 26 (range 0–76) and mean wrist mobility 52° flexion (range 10°–85°) and 50° extension (range 10°–85°). Mean post-operative patient satisfaction score was 89% (range 50–100%). Four patients developed complications (one EPL rupture and three developed CRPS). DBP can reliably restore distal radius anatomy and is associated with good functional outcome scores, return of functional range of wrist movement and high levels of patient satisfaction. Level of EvidenceIII

Patients undergoing surgical treatment for low-energy distal radius fractures are more likely to receive a referral and participate in a fracture liaison service program.

Patients often do not receive osteoporosis screening after a low-energy distal radius fracture (DRF). The effect of osteoporosis on the healing of DRFs remains a debate, and it is unclear if surgical treatment of this injury affects the referral and participation rates in a fracture liaison service (FLS) program. The purpose of this study is to report on a large cohort of low-energy DRFs and identify demographic, clinical, and treatment factors that affect referral and participation rates in an FLS program. A retrospective review identified patients over 50years old who sustained a low-energy DRF between 2013 and 2018. Patients with high-energy or unknown injury mechanisms were excluded. The primary outcome was the effect of DRF surgical treatment on referral and participation rates in an FLS program. Secondary outcomes included patient demographic and clinical characteristic effects on referral and participation rates in an FLS program. In total, 950 patients met inclusion criteria. Two hundred thirty patients (24.2%) were referred and 149 (15.7%) participated in the FLS program. Patients who underwent surgery were more likely to be referred to the FLS (OR 1.893, CI 1.403-2.555, p < 0.001) and participate in the FLS program (OR 2.47, CI 1.723-3.542, p < 0.001) compared to patients who received non-operative treatment of their DRF. Patients who undergo surgical treatment of a low-energy DRF are more likely to be referred and participate in a FLS program. Further study is needed to identify why surgical treatment may affect referral and participation rates.

Assessment of complications associated with casting of acute distal radius fractures in adults

PurposeControversy exists regarding the closed treatment of distal radius fractures. Circumferential casting of acute distal radius fractures has been shown to be safe in children, however, little research has demonstrated its safety in adults. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of complications associated with casting acute distal radius fractures in adult patients. MethodsPatients with a distal radius fracture treated by a single hand surgeon at a level 1 trauma center were retrospectively reviewed over a 3-year period. Patients were evaluated in the emergency room and were provisionally immobilized either with short-arm fiberglass casts or with splints. Patients were followed for a minimum of 4 weeks. Complication rates associated with casting were recorded, including rates of compartment syndrome and acute carpal tunnel syndrome. ResultsEighty-one patients were included in this study. A total of 30 patients met inclusion criteria for placement of a short arm cast in the Emergency Department. Mean patient age was 63.2 years. The majority of patients sustained their injuries from a ground level fall. A minority of patients had radiographic evidence of intra-articular extension or underwent a reduction prior to casting. There were no patients who developed compartment syndrome or acute carpal tunnel syndrome as a result from the casting. The majority of patients did not require a cast change for at least 4 weeks. None of our patients went on to surgery. ConclusionThere were no major complications associated with casting of acute, low energy distal radius fractures in this series of 30 adult patients. While further studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary to establish safety of casting, this study suggests that casting may be a safe and effective treatment for low-energy distal radius fractures in adult patients presenting with a normal neurovascular exam. Type of study/level of evidenceRetrospective comparative study, Level III.

Relationship between distal radius fracture severity and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

AimsLow-energy distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper arm fractures correlated with bone fragility. Vitamin D deficiency is an important risk factor associated with DRFs. However, the relationship between DRF severity and vitamin D deficiency is not elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the correlation between DRF severity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, which is an indicator of vitamin D deficiency.MethodsThis multicentre retrospective observational study enrolled 122 female patients aged over 45 years with DRFs with extension deformity. DRF severity was assessed by three independent examiners using 3D CT. Moreover, it was categorized based on the AO classification, and the degree of articular and volar cortex comminution was evaluated. Articular comminution was defined as an articular fragment involving three or more fragments, and volar cortex comminution as a fracture in the volar cortex of the distal fragment. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, bone metabolic markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, hip, and wrist were evaluated six months after injury. According to DRF severity, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level, parameters correlated with bone metabolism, and BMD was compared.ResultsThe articular comminuted group (n = 28) had a significantly lower median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level than the non-comminuted group (n = 94; 13.4 ng/ml (interquartile range (IQR) 9.8 to 17.3) vs 16.2 ng/ml (IQR 12.5 to 20.4); p = 0.005). The AO classification and volar cortex comminution were not correlated with the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D level. Bone metabolic markers and BMD did not significantly differ in terms of DRF severities.ConclusionArticular comminuted DRF, referred to as AO C3 fracture, is significantly associated with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels. Therefore, vitamin D3 supplementation for vitamin D deficiency might prevent articular comminuted DRFs. Nevertheless, further studies must be conducted to validate the results of the current study.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):261–267.

Osteoporosis: Prevalence, awareness and pertinent risk factors in a cohort of elderly Asian population presenting with low-energy distal radius fractures.

This study aims to evaluate the awareness of osteoporosis and related risk factors in elderly Asian patients who present with distal radius fractures. The distal radius fracture is one of the most frequent fractures in the elderly cohort, owing to osteoporosis, and maybe a harbinger for further fractures, however, data is scarce regarding awareness of this condition among these patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients aged 45 and above that presented in the emergency department with low-energy distal radial fractures in Karachi from January-December 2018. Data were collected via a self-designed questionnaire, assessing the demographic information, knowledge about osteoporosis and its risk factors. The data was analysed using SPSS 20 for statistical significance. From a total of 550 patients with a mean age of 70.5±32.82years, there were 442 (80.36%) females and 108 (19.63%) males. On educational consideration, 243 (44.18%) patients could not read or write and only 110 (20%) of the patients received secondary school education. Only 123 (22.36%) were well informed about osteoporosis, the predominant source of information being their physician. There were 427 (77.63%) patients who were unaware of osteoporosis, 16% of which were smokers, 26% indicated they exercised at least 30minutes daily, and 2% reported drinking alcohol occasionally. On dietary supplements, 24.27% of patients reported calcium and 17.81% reported vitamin D supplement consumption on regular basis. We found a positive correlation between a patient's education status and osteoporosis awareness We believe that the role of the physician could be crucial in preventing further fractures in such patients via physician lead educational campaigns to target modifiable risk factors.

Forgoing the opportunity and ordaining the preventable catastrophe: Overlooking the remedial portal for osteoporosis by orthopedic surgeons while managing patients with distal radius fragility fracture

Introduction: The previous history of fracture in the elderly confers an increased risk of subsequent future fracture. The aim of this study is to identify what proportion of fragility distal radius fracture with subsequent skeletal fracture had their osteoporosis investigation and treatment was addressed in the interval between two events. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study of 272 isolated, low-energy distal radius fractures above the age of 50 years, between 2011 and 2015. In addition, during the same period in the same hospital, all patients above 50 years with other skeletal injuries with the previous history of distal radius fracture were also identified. Both groups were cross referenced to produce a single cohort of patients with both injuries. It was also examined whether the patients had received any treatment relating to osteoporosis before they sustained a subsequent fracture. Results: A study cohort of 28 distal radius fracture patients with subsequent other skeletal injuries were identified. Out of these, 2 (7.1%) patients were treated for osteoporosis and 26 (92.9%) were not. The differences in event rates between patients with and without osteoporosis treatment were statistically highly significant (P > 0.001). Conclusions: A substantial proportion of hospitalized elderly, fragility distal radius fracture patients were not sufficiently evaluated and treated for their potential risk of osteoporosis. This issue warrants osteoporosis to be addressed by multidisciplinary approach to prevent further fracture.

Distal radius fracture: An opportunity for osteoporosis intervention

Background Distal radius fractures have been reported as a predictor of subsequent osteoporotic fragility fractures. This retrospective study evaluated the proportion of patients with distal radius fractures at a government hospital in Hong Kong who received diagnostic evaluation or treatment for osteoporosis within 1 year. Methods Five hundred sixty-one postmenopausal women aged &gt;50 years admitted to a public hospital between 2013 and 2017 for a low-energy distal radius fracture were analysed for initiation of osteoporosis medications and/or arrangement of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry screening within 1 year of injury. Results Within 1 year, 8.4% of patients were prescribed osteoporosis medication and 6.1% of patients had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry arranged. Patients with a previous fracture were more likely to receive osteoporosis medication (18.6% vs 7.5%, P = 0.012) and either intervention (screening or medication) overall (23.3% vs 10.4%, P = 0.011). Conclusions Few postmenopausal women who suffered a distal radius fracture received osteoporosis intervention within 1 year. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the possibility of underlying osteoporosis and opportunity for intervention when managing fragility distal radius fractures.

Characterization of the Dorsal Ulnar Corner in Distal Radius Fractures in Postmenopausal Females: Implications for Surgical Decision Making

To characterize the dorsal ulnar corner fragment with regard to size and morphology using 3-dimensional software and computed tomography (CT) scans, as it presents in low-energy intra-articular distal radius fractures occurring in the female postmenopausal population. A multicenter retrospective review was conducted to identify postmenopausal females with low-energy distal radius fractures treated surgically at level-1 trauma centers. Patients with low-energy injuries with preoperative CT scans were included. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data from CT scans were used to reconstruct intra-articular fracture patterns. The dorsal ulnar fragment was isolated in each CT scan and measured, then normalized based on lunate depth. Eighty patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean dimension measurements of the dorsal ulnar corner were dorsal surface height, 9.82 ± 5.02 mm (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 8.72-10.92); dorsal surface width, 9.06 ± 3.72 mm (95% CI, 8.25-9.88); articular surface width, 7.44 ± 3.92 mm (95% CI, 6.58-8.30); articular surface depth, 4.14 ± 2.39 mm (95% CI, 3.62-4.67). The mean lunate depth measurement (17.52 ± 1.48 mm) was used to normalize articular surface depth demonstrating that, on average, the dorsal ulnar corner comprises 23.6% of the articular surface ± 13.6% (95% CI, 20.7-26.6). The mean articular surface depth of the dorsal ulnar corner fragment in this study was less than 5 mm, accounting for approximately 24% of the volar-dorsal width of the distal radius at the lunate facet. These data expand current understanding of the morphology and size of the dorsal ulnar corner fracture fragment. If fixation of this fragment is a goal, surgeons may need to use longer screws that penetrate closer to the dorsal cortex than those required for extra-articular fractures or to consider alternative methods of fragment-specific fixation for adequate capture of this fragment.

Association between bone mineral density and ulnar styloid fracture in older Japanese adults with low-energy distal radius fracture.

The pathogenesis of ulnar styloid fracture (USF), which often occurs with distal radius fracture (DRF), is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether USF concomitant with low-energy DRF was associated with the bone mineral status and the degree of radiographically observed pretreatment radius displacement in Japanese adults above 50years of age. The study subjects were 45 (44 female, 1 male) consecutive patients aged > 50years with DRF caused by falls from June 2015 to May 2016. Fractures due to high-energy injuries were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of USF. Radius displacement was assessed on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs by measuring ulnar variance, radial inclination, and volar tilt at initial examination before manual reduction of the bone. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and distal radius was also measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within 1week of injury. Significant differences in the BMD values of femoral neck, ulnar variance, radial inclination, and volar tilt were found between patients with USF and those without USF (all comparisons, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis of all subject data identified that volar tilt was significantly associated with the presence of USF (p = 0.048). The presence of USF in low-energy DRF correlates with the decreased BMD of femoral neck and severe displacement of radius in elderly patients. These findings are helpful for the treatment of osteoporosis to prevent subsequent fragility fracture.

COL1A1, CCDC170, and ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with distal radius fracture in postmenopausal Mexican women

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic association of five ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3020331, rs851982, rs1999805, rs2234693, rs3020404), four COL1A1 SNPs (rs1800012, rs2075555, rs2412298, rs1107946), and two SNPs on the CCDC170 gene (rs9479055, rs4870044) with distal radius fracture (DRF) in a group of postmenopausal Mexican women.Methods: A case–control study was conducted. Cases (n = 182) were women above the age of 38 years with low-energy DRF, and controls (n = 201) were women without. Analysis was done through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Frequencies and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were calculated. A multivariate analysis including bone mass index, age, menarche, and menopause as covariables was carried out. Finally, haplotype and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses were performed.Results: COL1A1 rs1107946 was strongly associated with DRF. Both CCDC170 SNPs showed strong association with DRF. For the ESR1 gene, four SNPs (rs2234693, 3020404, rs3020331, and rs851982) showed very strong association with DRF. Additionally, the region between the latter two showed strong LD.Conclusions: A strong association of DRF with variants in these genes was found, including haplotypes and a region with strong LD on ESR1. The results suggest that these SNPs could be useful to detect the population at risk of presenting DRF among Mexican perimenopausal women.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:35 AM–9:00 AM ePosters

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Low energy distal radius and vertebral fragility fractures (VFF) are common injuries in the osteoporotic patient. In this study, the Own the Bone (OTB) database was examined to (1) examine the specific demographics of patients presenting with a VFF or a distal radius fracture and, (2) compare fracture-specific risk factors between patients with VFF against patients with a distal radius fracture. PURPOSE To determine whether or not there are differences between patients sustaining VFF versus distal radius fractures. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This study uses data from the Own the Bone registry which is the largest, multicenter data registry in the United States to analyze patients presenting with fragility fractures. METHODS This study used the American Orthopaedic Assocation's OTB program registry which contains data on 42,862 patients presenting with insufficiency fractures. After excluding all other fracture types, there were 4,841 VFF and 2,557 distal radius fractures. These fracture types account for 11.2% and 6.0% of the preseting fractures at OTB enrollment. RESULTS The majority of both VFF and distal radius fracture patients were Caucasian, postmenopausal females (72.8% and 80.6%, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with a prior history of at least one distal radius fracture are more likely to sustain an additional distal radius fracture (OR 2.25, p CONCLUSIONS VFF and distal radius fractures remain common sites for insufficiency fractures. Multiple patient-related factors significantly increase the risk of vertebral fragility fracture compared to distal radius fractures including vitamin D insufficiency and active smoking. Patients with a history of a fragility fracture of the vertebral column after age 50 had a substantially increased risk of sustaining a secondary vertebral fracture. Interestingly, patients with a previous history of a vertebral fracture after age 50 as well as a previous distal radius fracture were more likely to sustain an additional vertebral fragility fracture. Understanding the risk factors unique to these fracture types is critical in allowing physicians to appropriately treat these patients to mitigate the negative sequelae of osteoporosis in this patient population.

Can distal radius or vertebra fractures due to low-energy trauma be a harbinger of a hip fracture?

This study aims to investigate whether or not low-energy distal radius or vertebra fractures are harbingers of hip fracture. A total of 142 patients had surgical treatment due to hip fracture in our clinic between February 2013 and January 2017. The patients had low-energy fractures before hip fracture, and they received either medical treatment for osteoporosis or not before hip fracture developed. Of 142 patients, 32 had distal radius, humeral neck, ankle, vertebra fractures and 15 had a second hip fracture. The patients were determined to have most frequently a distal radius and vertebra fracture before hip fracture. The treatment of osteoporosis was determined to be neglected in 58% of 47 patients in total who had a fracture previously. Distal radius and vertebra fractures are the harbingers of a potential hip fracture. Physicians, especially orthopedists, who face with these fractures should be careful in terms of osteoporosis.

Association of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, Bone Mass and Inflammation to Low-energy Distal Radius Fractures and Fracture Healing in Elderly Women Attending Emergency Care.

Elderly patients suffer fractures through low-energy mechanisms. The distal radius is the most frequent fracture localization. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) plays an important role in the maintenance of bone mass and its levels decline with advancing age and in states of malnutrition. Our aim was to investigate the association of IGF1 levels, bone mass, nutritional status, and inflammation to low-energy distal radius fractures and also study if fracture healing is influenced by IGF1, nutritional status, and inflammation. Postmenopausal women, 55 years or older, with low-energy distal radius fractures occurring due to falling on slippery ground, indoors or outdoors, were recruited in the emergency department (ED) and followed 1 and 5 weeks after the initial trauma with biomarkers for nutritional status and inflammation. Fractures were diagnosed according to standard procedure by physical examination and X-ray. All patients were conservatively treated with plaster casts in the ED. Patients who needed interventions were excluded from our study. Fracture healing was evaluated from radiographs. Fracture healing assessment was made with a five-point scale where the radiological assessment included callus formation, fracture line, and stage of union. Blood samples were taken within 24 h after fracture and analyzed in the routine laboratory. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Thirty-eight Caucasian women, aged 70.5 ± 8.9 years (mean ± SD) old, were recruited. Nutritional status, as evaluated by albumin (40.3 ± 3.1 g/L), IGF1 (125.3 ± 39.9 μg/L), body mass index (26.9 ± 3.6 kg/m2 ), arm diameter (28.9 ± 8.9 cm), and arm skinfold (2.5 ± 0.7 cm), was normal. A positive correlation was found between IGF1 at visit 1 and the lowest BMD for hip, spine, or radius (r = 0.39, P = 0.04). High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and leukocytes were higher at the fracture event compared to 5 weeks later (P = 0.07 and P < 0.001, respectively). Fracture healing parameters (i.e. callus formation, fracture line, and stage of union) were positively correlated with the initial leukocyte count and to difference in thrombocyte count between visit 1 and 3. In elderly women with low-energy distal radius fractures, an association between IGF1 and lowest measures of BMD was found, indicating that low IGF1 could be an indirect risk factor for fractures. Fracture healing was associated with initial leukocytosis and a lower thrombocyte count, suggesting that inflammation and thrombocytes are important components in fracture healing.

Relationship between Bone Mineral Density and Serum Vitamin D with Low Energy Hip and Distal Radius Fractures: A Case-Control Study.

The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D and the status of bone mineral density in patients with low-energy hip and distal radius fracture. This retrospective case-control study was performed between January 2013 and January 2014. Participants aged 55 years or older were divided to case group including 85 patients with low-energy hip fracture and 83 patients with low-energy distal radius fractures, and 82 subjects as a matched control group. Bone mineral density was measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and serum sample was obtained to check vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and protein. Study subjects for final evaluation consisted of 78 in hip and distal radius fracture groups and 80 in control group. There were no significant differences in the mean serum levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase between the three groups. The overall mean serum level of vitamin D3 was significantly different among the three groups. Similar results were observed with hip and spine t-score between the groups. There is not only a direct relation between serum vitamin D and the risk of low energy hip and distal radius fractures, but also a significant relation between low bone density in hip and spine area with low serum calcium was observed.

Incidence of Anti-osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment After Distal Radius Fractures

Introduction: There is still lack of adequate diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in elderly patients. Hand surgeons can prevent secondary osteoporotic fractures when treating distal radius fractures if they evaluate patients at risk and treat them adequately. The aim of this study was to determine osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment in patients with distal radius fractures treated surgically. Methods: A retrospective study including patients treated surgically for posttraumatic distal radius fractures between 2012 and 2014 was performed. All patients were treated in a level I trauma center, by hand surgeons. Inclusion criteria were women and males older than 50 and 60 years, respectively, with isolated low-energy distal radius fractures, treated surgically and having a follow-up longer than 6 months. Exclusion criteria were polytrauma, high-energy fractures, nonunions, and fractures treated nonsurgically. Several variables were evaluated: age, sex, smoking, fracture type, associated pathologies, previous fractures, preoperative and postoperative anti-osteoporotic treatments (if any), specialty of the physicians that indicated anti-osteoporotic treatment, and bone mineral density (BMD) studies performed. The osteoporosis incidence rate of our institution was calculated as reference for comparison purposes. Logistic multiple regression models were fitted and odds ratios for covariates were estimated. Results: The study included 41 patients (32 female and 9 male), with ages averaging 65 (SD = 8.5) and 63 (SD = 7.3) years, respectively, being 22% smokers, 14% diabetic, 30% had high blood pressure (HBP), and 5% hypothyroidism (HT). Twenty-eight percent had had previous fractures secondary to osteoporosis, and 56% (23 patients) had a BMD performed previous to the fracture (37% evidenced osteoporosis). Seventeen percent were under anti-osteoporotic treatment previous to the fracture (all women). After surgical treatment of their distal radius fracture, 17% had anti-osteoporotic treatment indicated (only 10% of them had had the prescription indicated previous to the fracture). BMD pathologic results were not associated to smoking ( P = .32) and HBP or HT ( P = .58 and P = .82, respectively), but there was an association to diabetes, showing an increased chance (odds ratio = 2.10, P = .049) for diabetic patients to have pathologic BMD. Finally, annual osteoporosis incidence rate, calculated using all patients who attended our institution during 2014, was 0.88%. Conclusion: Distal radius fractures in elderly patients can be considered as indicators of high risk of osteoporosis. A high percentage of patients with these fractures had already had osteoporotic fractures before (28% in our series). Our study shows that there is poor prevention of secondary osteoporotic fractures in patients with distal radius fractures (after surgical treatment only 17% of patients had anti-osteoporotic treatment indicated). Osteoporosis may induce the occurrence of fragility fractures, and hand surgeons have an important role in their diagnosis and treatment. All patients included in this study, who were not adequately evaluated after their distal radius fracture for osteoporosis, had a BMD performed. The results of our study evidenced the need of a program for secondary osteoporotic fracture prevention; this program has now been developed and is active at our institution.

Role of Depression in Outcomes of Low-Energy Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Older Than 55 Years.

This study examines depression and outcomes in patients older than 55 years with distal radius fracture. Prospective data collection included patient characteristics, treatment, general and limb symptoms and disability, and complications at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year. Bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression were used to assess relationships between depression and outcome measures, specifically the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and the Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The study was conducted in a level-1 trauma center. All patients older than 55 years with isolated distal radius fracture were recruited (2007-2011). Patients were treated operatively or nonoperatively. The SF-36 and DASH scores measured general and upper extremity status. Depression was measured using CES-D scale. All complications were recorded. Of 228 patients, 25% were depressed at baseline, 32% at 3 months, and 26% after 1 year. Thirty-two patients (14%) had complications. There was no relationship between depression at baseline and complications; however, there was a statistically significant relationship at 3 months (P = 0.021). There was a statistically significant association between baseline depression and the worse 1-year SF-36. Patients with baseline depression had poorer 1-year DASH scores (20 ± 2.3) than nondepressed patients (11 ± 1.3) (P = 0.0031), and less improvement in DASH scores over the first year (P = 0.023). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that baseline depression is the strongest predictor of poorer 1-year DASH scores (3.7, P = 0.0078) and change in DASH scores over the first year (2.9, P = 0.026). Baseline depression predicts worse function and disability outcomes 1 year from injury. Depression (CES-D ≥16) is the strongest predictor of worse 1-year DASH scores and SF-36 outcome measures, after controlling for other potential predictors. Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.