Outcome Measurement for Distal Radius Fractures

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common upper extremity injuries. Multiple medical conditions now are evaluated by standardized outcome sets that enable comparability. Recent international working groups have provided consensus statements for outcomes measurement after DRFs. These statements emphasized the growing importance of patient-reported outcome measures as well as traditional measures, including pain assessment, radiographic alignment, performance, and assessment of complications. A standardized instrument and timeline for measuring outcomes following DRFs offers clinicians, researchers, and health care economists a powerful tool. This article reviews the current evidence and provides recommendations for a DRF standardized outcome set.