Concomitant hip and distal radius fractures

Concomitant ipsilateral hip and distal radius fractures are uncommon, and little research has been published about these injuries. Our aim was to evaluate the characteristics and results of treatment for these injuries.

Between 2006 and 2012, 35 concomitant hip and distal radius fractures were identified, comprising the study group. The characteristics and results of treatment for these injuries were evaluated and analyzed. Another matched control group with isolated hip fractures was collected for comparison of patient characteristics, fall mechanism, fracture pattern, bone density, and functional recovery.

For the patients with concomitant fractures, the average age was 77.6 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 6:1 (30:5). The majority (91.4%) of patients sustained ipsilateral injuries. Among the controlled pairs, 20 (57.1%) patients in the study group sustained a backward fall, and 25 (71.4%) patients in the control group had a sideways fall. With respect to the pattern of hip fracture, 22 (62.9%) patients in the study group had femoral neck fractures and 20 (57.1%) patients in the control group had pertrochanteric fractures. The average hospital stay was 15.3 days in the study group versus 10.2 days in the control group. Twenty-five (71.4%) patients in the study group and 27 (77.1%) patients in the control group had osteoporosis. The average Barthel index score was 75.1 in the study group and 75.7 in the control group.

Concomitant hip and distal radius fractures were generally ipsilateral and involved the femoral neck after a backward fall. These patients were younger than and not more osteoporotic than the population with isolated hip fractures; however, the hospital stay was significantly increased. The functional outcome was not influenced by concomitant wrist fracture.