Delayed Secondary Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures After Initial Failed Closed Reduction Increases the Odds of Reoperation

Description

In this presentation, Lauren Nowak discusses the management of distal radius fractures, emphasizing the shift towards open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for these common adult injuries. She explains the guidelines for surgical treatment timing based on fracture type and notes a gap in evidence regarding outcomes of primary versus secondary fixation methods. The study's aim is to compare re-operation rates for patients receiving either immediate (within seven days) or delayed fixation (ranging from 8 to 30 days) following closed reduction. Utilizing administrative data, patients were categorized based on fixation timing, revealing demographic trends and notable differences in re-operation rates. Key outcomes include a higher incidence of re-operations in the secondary fixation group, particularly for surgeries performed 22 to 30 days after injury, with implications for older patients. The presentation concludes with a call for prospective studies to validate the findings and address limitations inherent in administrative data.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-220882

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