Bone mineral loss after Colles' fracture. Plaster case and external fixation equivalent

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiology
• Bone metabolism

Background:

• Colles' fractures are common in postmenopausal women.
• Bone mineral density loss is a concern in this demographic.
• Treatment options for Colles' fractures include casting and external fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze bone mineral content changes in the radius and ulna following displaced Colles' fractures in postmenopausal women.
• To compare bone mineral content between patients treated with below-the-elbow plaster casts versus primary external fixation.
• To investigate correlations between bone mineral loss and patient age, grip strength, wrist motion, and fracture severity.

Main Methods:

• Bone mineral content of the radius and ulna was measured using photon absorptiometry.
• Measurements were taken 6-24 months after fracture treatment.
• Fracture severity was assessed using the Frykman classification.

Main Results:

• A mean 15% decrease in bone mineral content was observed in the radius.
• No significant difference in bone mineral content decrease was found between the plaster cast and external fixation groups.
• More severe fractures (Frykman classification) showed a more pronounced mineral loss.

Conclusions:

• Displaced Colles' fractures in postmenopausal women lead to significant bone mineral loss in the radius.
• The choice of initial treatment (plaster cast vs. external fixation) did not influence this mineral loss.
• Fracture severity is a key factor associated with the extent of bone demineralization.