Non-Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fractures in the Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Traumatology
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

Background:

• Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common upper extremity injuries.
• Cast immobilization is a primary treatment, but outcome data are limited.
• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial for evaluating conservative DRF treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze PROMs in adults with non-surgically treated DRFs.
• To assess functional recovery, pain levels, and complications at 3, 6, and 12 months.
• To provide pooled data on the effectiveness of conservative DRF management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies.
• Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register.
• Included adult patients (≥18 years) with non-surgically treated DRFs.

Main Results:

• Pooled wrist evaluation scores improved significantly from 31.0 at 3 months to 10.8 at 12 months.
• Pooled pain scores decreased from 2.6 at 3 months to 1.8 at 12 months.
• 17.9% of patients experienced adverse events following non-surgical DRF treatment.

Conclusions:

• Non-surgical treatment of DRFs leads to significant functional improvement and pain reduction between 3 and 12 months.
• Conservative management is effective for distal radius fractures, but potential adverse events should be monitored.
• This meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the long-term outcomes of non-operative DRF treatment.