There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal management of displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly. The aim of this review was to compare outcomes of operatively versus non-operatively managed displaced extra-articular or undisplaced intra-articular distal radius fractures in patients 65 years and older.

All patients over the age of 65 years with displaced extra-articular or undisplaced intra-articular fractures seen in Tauranga Hospital between 1^st January 2009 and 31st December 2009 were included in the study. Patients from out of town, with incomplete radiographs or who had since passed away were excluded as were patients with comminuted intra-articular or undisplaced/minimally displaced extra-articular fractures. Patients attended follow-up where clinical assessment was carried out by a single Hand Therapist who was blinded to the side of injury and previous management, completed the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and DASH questionnaires and a visual analogue satisfaction score.

There were 91 distal radius fractures in patients 65 years and older seen in Tauranga Hospital over this 1 year period. 44 were excluded leaving 47 patients. 6 declined follow-up and 5 failed to attend. 36 patients (3 males, 33 females, average age 74.7 years) were included in the study – 23 had been treated non-operatively with casting +/− manipulation while the remaining 13 patients had undergone open reduction and internal fixation.

Comparing the injured with the uninjured wrist in the operatively managed group there was an average loss of 5.8 degrees flexion, 1.2 degrees extension, 1.7 degrees ulnar deviation and 3.8 degrees supination with a gain of 0.7 degrees radial deviation, no change in pronation and a loss of 1.2kg in grip strength. These operatively managed patients had an average PRWE score of 6.5, DASH score of 31.5 and satisfaction score of 8.8. Conversely, in the non-operatively managed group there was an average loss of 17.5 degrees flexion, 9.4 degrees extension, 11.3 degrees ulnar deviation and 10.9 degrees supination with a gain of 0.1 degrees radial deviation, no change in pronation and a loss of 4.7kg in grip strength. These non-operatively managed patients had higher PRWE (42.5) and DASH (56) scores and were in general less pleased with their outcomes (mean satisfaction score – 5.6).

Patients in the operatively managed group at 12–24 months post-injury had less significant loss of function as well as lower PRWE and DASH scores and higher satisfaction outcome scores.