Objective Outcome Measures Continue to Improve from 6 to 12 Months after Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly-A Prospective Evaluation of 50 Patients.

Distal radius fractures (DRF) in the elderly population above 65 years represent 18% of all fractures and are thereby the second most frequent fracture in the elderly. Fracture dislocation and comminution are often used to determine whether non-operative or operative treatment is indicated. The purpose of this prospective case series of minimally displaced DRF treated with a dorsal cast was to assess the complication rate and patient-reported outcome measures. This single-centre, single-blinded, prospective case series followed 50 conservatively treated DRF patients for one year. Primary outcomes were complications and Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (qDASH) score. Secondary outcomes were range of motion (ROM), grip strength and pain, and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). Results showed only minor complications with a return to prior ROM, qDASH, and pain after 12 months and improvement in outcomes after 6-12 months. In conclusion, the majority of DRF patients who were treated non-operatively with five-week dorsal casting recover fully after minimally displaced DRF. This standard approach is thus considered safe, and the present results provide a reference for other studies.

[Fracture of os capitatum and os triquetrum in a child].

This is a case report of a seven-year-old boy with fractures of the capitate and triquetral bone. An X-ray revealed fractures of the capitate and triquetral bone, and a CT scan showed non-dislocated fractures suitable for conservative treatment. The patient was treated with a shin cast for four weeks and had full recovery. Fractures of both the capitate and triquetral bone in children under the age of ten have not previously been reported. Fractures of the carpal bones should be suspected and examined in children with relevant trauma and symptoms.