The purpose of this study is to create and test a treatment algorithm to guide the treatment of distal radius fractures in patients 65 and older and to obtain level-one evidence to determine the best method of treating distal radius fractures in this growing population demographic.
* Distal radius fractures with borderline alignment will be randomized to surgical intervention or conservative treatment. * Patients will fill out subjective questionnaires at 0, 6weeks, 3months, 6 months, and 1 year. * Patients will perform objective strength tests, dexterity tests and have their range of motion tested at 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
65
Surgical Intervention to Reduce Distal Radius Fracture
Conservative management of Distal Radius Fractures
Hand and Upper Limb Centre
London, Ontario, Canada
Hand and upper Limb Centre
London, Ontario, Canada
Primary: Patient pain and disability. Will be quantified with Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder (DASH) and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE).
Time frame: 0-1 year
Secondary: To determine if other baseline factors influence outcome. For example, baseline activity levels (RAPA), home supports, hand dominance, and general mental health will be analyzed.
Time frame: over 1 year
Secondary: To stratify results by age. (65-75, 77-80, and >80)
Time frame: 0-1 year
Grip strength, Range of Motion and Dexterity testing of wrists
Time frame: 3 months to 12 months
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