Long-term outcome of octogenarians with non-operatively treated distal radius fractures

Introduction: Distal radius fractures in patients over 80 years old are traditionally treated non-operatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate patient-reported outcome in octogenarians treated non-operatively for a distal radius fracture. Methods: Retrospective case study of all consecutive patients over 80 years old, treated non-operatively for a distal radius fracture after 1 year. The primary outcome was evaluated by the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and quick disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (qDASH) questionnaire, which were collected prospectively. Secondary outcomes were radiographic characteristics. Results: A total of 124 patients were included, male/female: 4/120, median age of 85 years. Fracture types were mainly Type A and C. The median follow-up was 1.3 years, 18 patients died and 6 patients were lost to follow-up for other reasons. The median PRWE score after follow-up was 3.25. Median qDASH score was 6.82. Only redisplacement after 1 week was associated with poorer outcome. Conclusion: The overall long-term patient-reported outcome of octogenarians with non-operatively treated distal radius fractures with or without deformity is excellent.