Physical Performance Level and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Female Patients with Distal Radius Fracture

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of physical performance level on patient-reported outcomes after surgery for distal radius fractures (DRF).

We retrospectively reviewed 157 women with DRF who underwent surgery and completed the short physical performance battery (SPPB) within one month of trauma between January 2019 and August 2022. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed one year postoperatively using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted using patient characteristics, fracture type, treatment-related factors, and SPPB results to evaluate the factors associated with patient-reported outcomes.

Multivariate linear regression model revealed that dominant hand involvement (B=7.329; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.901-11.757; P=0.001) and lower SPPB scores (B=-2.145; 95% CI, -3.194 to -1.096; P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher DASH and PRWE scores.

Physical performance level evaluated using the SPPB was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes of DRF after surgery. Physicians should implement a systematic approach to enhance physical performance along with appropriate fracture treatment to improve clinical outcomes following surgery for DRF.