Effective Treatment of Simultaneous Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures are increasingly treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
• The evidence supporting this surgical trend requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing evidence for the management of simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures.

Main Methods:

• Searched EMBASE and MEDLINE databases.
• Included 20 retrospective case series involving 178 patients and 182 fractures.
• Assessed risk of bias due to confounding in included studies.

Main Results:

• High union rates observed for both distal radius and scaphoid fractures, irrespective of treatment.
• Distal radius fractures were predominantly intra-articular; scaphoid fractures were mostly undisplaced and at the waist.
• Only 2 scaphoid nonunions occurred across all reviewed cases.

Conclusions:

• While comparative studies are lacking, current evidence supports operative management for simultaneous distal radius and scaphoid fractures.
• Both operative and nonoperative treatments demonstrate high union rates for these injuries.