[Complaints in the follow-up of conservatively treated distal radius fractures--predictors in the initial radiograph].
OBJECTIVE
Radius fractures are frequent in adults, and the long-term results of conservative treatment remain disappointing. This study examines predictors for the clinical outcome in the initial radiograph. This will help to identify patients who will benefit from surgical treatment.


METHODS
A cohort study including a standardized telephone interview (Cooney score) was used to identify all conservatively treated patients with a distal radius fracture over a five-year period. The additional selection criteria were: over 15 years old, initial X-ray available, patient reachable by phone for the follow-up interview. The following measurements were taken from the initial radiograph: radius-base angle, radial shortening, radiopalmar angle and intraarticular displacement. Correlations and a simple test to predict negative outcome were computed.


RESULTS
Of the initially identified 2211 patients with distal radius fracture, 179 also fulfilled the other criteria. The patients were 56.2 years old on average (standard deviation SD = +/- 22.45 years) and 72 % were female. 60 % of the fractures were on the right side. The average follow-up was 4.3 years (SD +/- 1.66). The Cooney score results averaged 85 points (with 100 being the optimal and maximum score), indicating good or very good functional results in the long term follow-up for 61 % of patients. However, 31 % received a rating of fair or poor and therefore had an unfavorable outcome. With respect to the correlations, age and shortening of the radius (but not gender) had a significant influence on the functional result. Using an age of 75 years or above and a radial shortening of at least 4 mm to predict an unfavorable outcome, the sensitivity is only 16 %, but the positive predictive value is 73 % and the specificity is 96 %.


CONCLUSIONS
In the analysis of the initial radiographs after distal radius fracture, age and radial shortening primarily correlate with functional results after four years after conservative treatment. Using the values age > or = 75 and radial shortening > or = 4 mm, it is possible to predict an unfavorable functional outcome with a positive predictive value of 73 %. This could aid in the indication of operative treatment.
Freund
W
W
Klinik für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitätsklinik Ulm, Ulm. freund-ulm@t-online.de
Einsiedel
T
T
Trnavac
S
S
Aschoff
A J
AJ
Kramer
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies