The aims of this study in relation to distal radius fractures were to determine (1) the floor and ceiling effects for the QuickDASH and PRWE, (2) the floor and ceiling effects when defined to be within the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the minimal or maximal scores, (3) the degree to which patients with a floor or ceiling effect felt that their wrist was ‘normal’, and (4) patent factors associated with a floor or ceiling effect. A retrospective cohort study of patients sustaining a distal radius fracture during a single year was undertaken. Outcome measures included the QuickDASH, PRWE, EQ-5D-3L and normal wrist score. There were 526 patients with a mean age of 65yrs and 77% were female. Most patients were managed non-operatively (73%, n=385). The mean follow-up was 4.8yrs. A ceiling effect was observed for both the QuickDASH (22.3%) and PRWE (28.5%). When defined to be within the MCID of the best score, the effect increased to 62.8% for the QuickDASH and 60% for PRWE. Patients that achieved the best functional outcome according to the QuickDASH and PRWE felt their wrist was only 91% and 92% normal, respectively. Sex (p=0.000), age (p=0.000), dominant wrist injury (p=0.006 for QuickDASH and p=0.038 for PRWE), fracture type (p=0.015), and a better health-related quality of life (p=0.000) were independently associated with achieving a ceiling score. The QuickDASH and PRWE demonstrated ceiling effects following a distal radius fracture. Patients achieving ceiling scores did not consider their wrist to be ‘normal’ for them

Aims. We introduced a self-care pathway for minimally displaced distal radius fractures, which involved the patient being discharged from a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) without a physical review and being provided with written instructions on how to remove their own cast or splint at home, plus advice on exercises and return to function. Methods. All patients managed via this protocol between March and October 2020 were contacted by a medical secretary at a minimum of six months post-injury. The patients were asked to complete the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), a satisfaction questionnaire, advise if they had required surgery and/or contacted any health professional, and were also asked for any recommendations on how to improve the service. A review with a hand surgeon was organized if required, and a cost analysis was also conducted. Results. Overall 71/101 patients completed the telephone consultation; no patients required surgery, and the mean and median PRWE scores were 23.9/100 (SD 24.9) and 17.0/100 (interquartile range (IQR) 0 to 40), respectively. Mean patient satisfaction with treatment was 34.3/40 (SD 9.2), and 65 patients (92%) were satisfied or highly satisfied. In total there were 16 contact calls, 12 requests for a consultant review, no formal complaints, and 15 minor adjustment suggestions to improve patient experience. A relationship was found between intra-articular injuries and lower patient satisfaction scores (p = 0.025), however no relationship was found between PRWE scores and the nature of the fracture. Also, no relationship was found between the type of immobilization and the functional outcome or patient satisfaction. Cost analysis of the self-care pathway V traditional pathway showed a cost savings of over £13,500 per year with the new self-care model compared to the traditional model. Conclusion. Our study supports a VFC self-care pathway for patients with minimally displaced distal radius fractures. The pathway provides a good level of patient satisfaction and function. To improve the service, we will make minor amendments to our patient information sheet. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):726–732

Objectives. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often used to evaluate the outcome of treatment in patients with distal radial fractures. Which PROM to select is often based on assessment of measurement properties, such as validity and reliability. Measurement properties are assessed in clinimetric studies, and results are often reviewed without considering the methodological quality of these studies. Our aim was to systematically review the methodological quality of clinimetric studies that evaluated measurement properties of PROMs used in patients with distal radial fractures, and to make recommendations for the selection of PROMs based on the level of evidence of each individual measurement property. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMbase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant clinimetric studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies on measurement properties, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Level of evidence (strong / moderate / limited / lacking) for each measurement property per PROM was determined by combining the methodological quality and the results of the different clinimetric studies. Results. In all, 19 out of 1508 identified unique studies were included, in which 12 PROMs were rated. The Patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) were evaluated on most measurement properties. The evidence for the PRWE is moderate that its reliability, validity (content and hypothesis testing), and responsiveness are good. The evidence is limited that its internal consistency and cross-cultural validity are good, and its measurement error is acceptable. There is no evidence for its structural and criterion validity. The evidence for the DASH is moderate that its responsiveness is good. The evidence is limited that its reliability and the validity on hypothesis testing are good. There is no evidence for the other measurement properties. Conclusion. According to this systematic review, there is, at best, moderate evidence that the responsiveness of the PRWE and DASH are good, as are the reliability and validity of the PRWE. We recommend these PROMs in clinical studies in patients with distal radial fractures; however, more clinimetric studies of higher methodological quality are needed to adequately determine the other measurement properties. Cite this article: Dr Y. V. Kleinlugtenbelt. Are validated outcome measures used in distal radial fractures truly valid?: A critical assessment using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:153–161. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000462

Aims

There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures.

Introduction. Several clinical and radiological studies have confirmed the benefits of using Volar Locking Plates (VLPs) to treat unstable distal radius fractures. The “theoretical” advantage of VLPs compared to standard plate fixation is that VLPs, through their design, intrinsically provide angular stability for most fracture configurations including comminuted fractures and, quite possibly, osteoporotic fractures. However few studies have compared the clinical results of patients of different ages who have been treated using VLPs. Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of VLP fixation of displaced distal radius in younger (<59 yrs) and older (>60yrs) patients. Patients & Methods. We reviewed 78 consecutive patients who had undergone ORIF of their displaced distal radial fractures using a VLP. All patients were reviewed at predetermined time points by an independent observer and the findings at 6 months are presented. In addition to documenting the standard demographics for each patient and classifying the fractures using the OTA/AO system, wrist function was assessed using Range of Movement (ROM), Grip strength (GS), the Modified Gartland & Werley score (MGWS), the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), the Quick DASH scores, and overall scores of wrist Pain and Function using Visual Analogue Scores (VAS). Results. 43 patients were under 60 years of age and 35 patients were 60 years or over. The proportion of extra-articular to intra-articular fractures were similar for both age groups. There was little difference in terms of patient perception of Pain and Function, or ROM, MGWS (7.2 versus 6.9), PRWE (24 versus 23.6) and quick DASH scores (17.3 versus 19.1) between the two groups at 6 months. The younger group did have significantly better grip strength, but when compared as a percentage of the uninjured wrist, the results were also similar (83% vs 80%). Conclusions. VLPs are a suitable option for fixing distal radial fractures in older patients (>60yrs) and the clinical results appear to be just as good as they are in younger patients

Aims

Distal radial fractures are the most common fracture sustained by the adult population. Most can be treated using cast immobilization without the need for surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a definitive trial comparing the commonly used fibreglass cast immobilization with an alternative product called Woodcast. Woodcast is a biodegradable casting material with theoretical benefits in terms of patient comfort as well as benefits to the environment.

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To synthesise the literature and perform a meta-analysis detailing the longitudinal recovery in the first two years following a distal radius fracture (DRF) managed with volar plate fixation.

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The aim of this study was to examine trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland over a ten-year period, and to determine if there were any changes in response to the English Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT).