Predictors of return after cast removal in patients with a nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture

Patients with a nonoperatively treated fracture of the distal radius are often scheduled for a follow-up appointment after cast removal to assess function and outcome. Our experience is that, once the cast is off, many patients do not return. The purpose of this study was to determine which variables significantly influence return for a scheduled visit after cast removal. Thirty-seven patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study (27 men and 10 women) with an average age of 49 years (range, 19 to 82) had a distal radius fracture immobilized in a cast. During the visit at which the cast was removed, arm-specific disability, misinterpretation of nociception, and symptoms of depression were measured using validated questionnaires. Eleven of 37 patients did not attend the final scheduled office visit and the only predictor of a return visit was older age.