Beschreibung:
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Background Functional outcomes of distal radius fractures vary widely regardless of treatment methods.</jats:p><jats:p>
Purpose This study aims to verify whether preexisting carpal and carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA) will negatively impact wrist functional outcome in patients with distal radius fractures.</jats:p><jats:p>
Patients and Methods A retrospective case–control study was done using a prospective trauma database. Patients were matched 1:1 in two groups based on the presence of wrist or carpal arthritis (OA). The groups were matched for sex, follow-up, and treatment type. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year and functional outcomes were assessed using validated scores.</jats:p><jats:p>
Results A total of 61 patients were included. Mean age was 63 years (range: 20–85) and average follow-up was 26 months. There were 31 patients in the OA+ group and 30 in the OA− group. Forty-one patients were treated surgically and 20 nonoperatively. None of the patients in the OA− developed OA during follow-up. Both groups were comparable for sex, residual deformity, and follow-up. There was no significant difference for the visual analog scale, Short Form-12, Quick Disability Arm Shoulder Hand, and Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation, or for radiographic outcomes.</jats:p><jats:p>
Conclusion Preexisting OA in the wrist or CMC does not seem to impact outcomes of distal radius fractures, regardless of treatment, age, or sex. Although this is a negative study, the results are important to help counsel patients with distal radius fractures. Further work must be done to identify other potential causes for negative outcomes.</jats:p><jats:p>
Level of Evidence Level III, prognostic study.</jats:p>