What Are the Tradeoffs in Outcomes after Casting Versus Surgery for Closed Extraarticular Distal Radius Fractures in Older Patients? A Statistical Learning Model

CONCLUSION: There are tradeoffs in outcomes after treating patients older than 60 years with closed extraarticular distal radius fractures with casting or surgery. When patients are attempting to balance minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes, unless they desire maximal functional recovery, casting may be the better treatment. Surgery may be beneficial if patients want to regain as much grip strength and ROM as possible, even with the possibility of having residual pain. These findings can be referenced for more concrete preoperative counseling and patient expectation management before treatment selection.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.PMID:34142664 | DOI:10.1097/CORR.0000000000001865
Source: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research