Does Weightbearing Affect Radiographic or Clinical Outcomes in Distal Radius Fractures Treated With Dorsal Bridge...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Dorsal wrist spanning plate (DWSP) fixation is used for distal radius fractures (DRFs).
• Early mobilization and weightbearing (WB) may improve outcomes in polytraumatized patients.
• The safety and efficacy of early WB in DRF patients treated with DWSP require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with DRFs treated with DWSP, stratified by early postoperative WB status.
• To evaluate the impact of early WB on complication rates, pain, range of motion, and radiographic parameters.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 123 patients with DRFs treated with DWSP.
• Comparison of patients who underwent early assisted ambulation with WB versus those who did not (NWB).
• Outcomes assessed included complication rates, VAS pain scores, range of motion, and radiographic measurements.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in complication rates (13.3% WB vs 16.1% NWB, P = .71) between groups.
• Similar clinical outcomes (VAS pain, range of motion) and radiographic parameters were observed.
• The WB group had a longer duration of DWSP before removal (121 vs 106.3 days, P = .02).

Conclusions:

• Early WB through the injured wrist is safe for patients with DRFs treated with DWSP.
• Postoperative WB status does not significantly impact outcomes or complication rates in this patient population.
• DWSP fixation allows for safe early mobilization and potential weightbearing in DRF management.