Regional bone mineral density changes after Colles' and forehand fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Bone Metabolism
• Radiology

Background:

• Second Colles' fractures are infrequent, suggesting protective mechanisms.
• Hand fractures (forehand) show a higher rate of ipsilateral re-fracture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if persistent regional bone mineral changes explain differing re-fracture rates after Colles' and forehand fractures.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral bone mineral density (BMD) measurements were taken.
• Study included 20 patients with prior Colles' fractures and 29 with prior forehand fractures.
• Measurements were performed more than one year post-injury.

Main Results:

• Colles' fracture patients showed a 39% increase in distal radius bone mineral density on the fractured side compared to the uninjured side.
• No significant bone mineral changes were observed in patients with previous forehand fractures.

Conclusions:

• Increased bone mineral density and bone strength in the distal radius following Colles' fracture may protect against subsequent ipsilateral re-fracture.
• Lack of bone mineral changes after forehand fractures might explain the higher rate of ipsilateral re-injury.