Developments in plate technology have increased interest in the operative fixation of Colles' fracture. The vast majority of patients are treated non-operatively, yet there are few medium or long-term outcome studies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate medium-term outcome of a cohort of patients who previously received treatment in a plaster cast. 236 patients entered two previous prospective, randomised control studies comparing closed reduction techniques or plaster cast type. Both studies showed no difference in clinical or radiological outcome between groups. 43% of this cohort had a final dorsal tilt of > 10° and 44% had final radial shortening of >2mm. All patients now have a minimum follow-up of five years and 60 have died. The remaining 176 patients were contacted by post and asked to complete two validated patient-based questionnaires: a modified Patient Evaluation Measure and a quickDASH. 112 replies were received. The mean age of patients is 67 years (range 23 – 91 years). 31 patients are employed and 57 retired. 77% of patients had a quickDASH score of less than 20. 59% of patients never experience wrist pain whilst 8% of patients have daily pain.

All Patient Evaluation Measures have shown a median score of 12 or less (0=excellent, 100= terrible). The best score was for pain (median 4; IQR 2-12) and the worst for grip strength (median 12; IQR 4 – 41). No radiological outcome 5 weeks after injury correlated with any outcome score, except for dorsal tilt, which correlated with difficulty with fiddly tasks (p=0.04) and carpal malalignment which correlated with interference with work (p=0.04).

In conclusion, our results show a good functional outcome five years after non-operative management of Colles' fracture. A degree of malunion is acceptable and in the light of our results the economic impact of surgery must be evaluated.