Management of distal radius fractures from the North American perspective.

Abstract

In North America, the rate of nonoperative management of displaced distal radius fractures has declined as the rate of internal fixation has increased. Volar locking plate fixation has increased in popularity despite a lack of supportive level 1 evidence. Issues of cost-effectiveness are relevant because there is no best-practice treatment at this stage. Clinicians should be aware of the goals of treatment and challenges, particularly in managing elderly patients with distal radius fractures. Large, randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses may provide answers about when operative intervention is favored over nonoperative management and which operative intervention provides the best outcomes.