title: Safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius. No study has detailed this injury or treatment strategy in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 21 geriatric patients with open fractures of the distal radius treated with a single definitive procedure were identified from a prospectively collected database. We reviewed patient demographics, injury characteristics and treatment specifics. Our primary outcome was surgical-site infection defined by need for antibiotics or repeat surgery. Our secondary outcome was need for other re-operation. Patients were contacted and functional scores obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients were followed up for an average of 26 months. One deep infection and one nonunion occurred, and they required repeat surgery. Four minor operative complications occurred, including stiffness requiring manipulation and prominent fixation devices requiring removal. Patients maintained an average wrist flexion-extension arc of 89° and pronation-supination arc of 137°. The average QuickDASH (shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire) score was 17.4, indicating minimal disability of the upper extremity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius yields adequate functional results with low risk of major complications.
authors.affiliation: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Adam M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.affiliation: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Raymond A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Pensy
authors.affiliation: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: rvo3@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Robert V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: O'Toole
authors.affiliation: R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: W Andrew
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Eglseder
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001860:Bone Plates; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Fracture of the distal radius; Geriatric patients; Open fracture; Open reduction and internal fixation