This study investigated the time lost from work following a distal radius fracture and its predictors. A cohort of one hundred and sixty-eight workers who experienced a distal radius fracture were followed at two, three, six, and twelve months to determine their work status. The average number of weeks lost from work was 9.5 weeks. Significant correlates with lost-time from work were: energy of injury, occupational demand, workers compensation, initial radial inclination on x-ray, baseline PRWE and DASH scores and Mental Component-SF-36). Without self-report, 45% of the variation in lost-time was explained by workers compensation status, radial inclination, occupational demand, energy of injury, sex and age.

This study investigated the time lost from work following a distal radius fracture and its predictors.

Time lost from work after a distal radius fracture is highly variable. Patients who have higher job demands (hand use), are on workers compensation, report higher initial pain/disability and who present with more severe displacement have the highest lost-time.

This data defines average expectations of return to work and the extent to which injury, job and personal characteristics influence it.

The average number of weeks lost from work was 9.5 weeks ( median= 6; 75th percentile=12 SD=9.6; range = 0–44). Significant correlates with lost-time from work were: energy of injury, occupational demand, workers compensation, initial radial inclination on x-ray, baseline PRWE and DASH scores and Mental Component-SF-36). A stepwise multiple linear regression found that 50% of the variation in lost-time could be explained on the basis of the initial PRWE, occupational demand and radial inclination. Without self-report, 45% of the variation in lost-time was explained by workers compensation status, radial inclination, occupational demand, energy of injury, sex and age.

A cohort of one hundred and sixty-eight workers who experienced a distal radius fracture were enrolled. Age, sex, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, injury compensation status, occupational use of hand, energy of injury and radiographic injury severity (pre-reduction radial shortening, radial inclination, dorsal angulation) were recorded. Patients were followed at two, three, six, and twelve months to determine their work status. Multiple linear regression identified predictors of time lost from work.

We retrospectively reviewed thirty-six patients who had undergone dorsal opening wedge osteotomies using cancellous bone graft and plate fixation for symptomatic healed angulated distal radius fractures.

Average improvement of the distal radius dorsal articular tilt was 28° and the ulna variance 2.7mm. The final average range of motion was flexion 46°, extension 62°, pronation 79°and supination 75°. The range of supination and pronation was not significantly different from the unaffected limb (p> 0.115).

For healed angulated distal radius fractures, dorsal opening wedge osteotomy combined with cancellous bone grafting and plate fixation, is a reliable technique allowing significant deformity correction.

We retrospectively reviewed thirty-six patients with symptomatic healed angulated distal radius fractures who had undergone dorsal opening wedge osteotomies using cancellous bone graft and plate fixation by a single surgeon. Twenty-five patients were reviewed both clinically and radiologically with an average follow-up of forty-seven months. The radiographs of a further eleven patients were reviewed.

Average age at surgery was fifty years with an interval from injury of twenty-nine months. All osteotomies united. 20% required plate removal.

Preoperatively the average distal radius articular tilt was 25° dorsal, and ulna variance +4.3mm. Following correction, average articular tilt was 3° volar, and ulna variance +2mm. These changes were highly significant (p< 0.0005). There was no significant loss of correction of the deformity between the immediate postoperative radiographs and those following union (p> 0.33).

The average range of motion was flexion 46°, extension 62°, pronation 79°and supination 75°. The range of pronation and supination was not significantly different from the unaffected limb (p> 0.115).

The average Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation Score was thirty, indicating residual pain and disability greater than that for an age matched cohort of patients with uncomplicated distal radius fractures (PRWE=15), previously reported by our laboratory. Patients reported that they were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance and had regained 73% of wrist use – these values had a significant negative correlation with the final ulna variance (p< 0.05).

For healed angulated distal radius fractures, dorsal opening wedge osteotomy combined with cancellous bone grafting and plate fixation, is a reliable technique allowing significant deformity correction.