Özet:

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical results of conservative treatment of distal radius fractures in patients aged sixty years or older. METHODS: The clinical results of distal radius fractures in sixty age and elder people who was treated with conservative treatment were investigated in this study. Fifty-two patients (34 female, 18 male; median age, 68.2 yrs) aged ≥ 60 years with displaced distal radius fractures were treated by closed reduction and short -arm circular cast stabilization. According to AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) classification, the fractures were of types B (n=28), and C (n=24). Clinical results were evaluated with Q-DASH (Quick-Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scale and radiological results with Stewart scale. The average length of follow-up period was 11 (5-18) months. RESULTS: In 37 (71,1 %) of 52 patients, DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) measurements indicated that T scores were beneath -2.5 and they were regarded as osteoporosis. All of the fractures healed in an average of 4.3 (3.7-6.1) weeks. According to Stewart scale; good results were detected in 35 (67.3 %) patients, intermediate results in 12 (23 %) and bad results in 5 (9.7 %) patients. The average Q-DASH scores were noted as 40±10.2 in the second, and, 30±7,4 in the fourth months, and 21±3,2 at the last control. Two patients were recommended to undergo corrective osteotomies due to malunion. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Distal radius fractures in elderly people are tend to occur with lower velocity trauma. Comparing with young patients conservative treatment of distal radius fractures in elder people is a more acceptable approach. In this study our findings also support this suggestion. Considering the comorbities coming with older age and lower functional expectations, close reduction and short arm cast stabilization is a reasonable approach for this group of patients.

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