Management of Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly Population

Distal radius fractures are common in the increasingly active and expanding elderly population. It results in considerable morbidity and negative impact on quality of life. Despite its common occurrence, there remain a lot of challenges in our understanding and management of this injury. Patients with fractures treated surgically have improved alignment, quicker recovery, and better grip strength. However, the improved radiographic outcome is not as strongly associated with better functional outcomes as in younger patients. The goal of treatment in geriatric distal radius fracture is restoration of wrist function to allow for rapid return to active and independent lifestyle. Special attention should be given to the patient’s functional activity level in the surgical decision-making. Management of concomitant distal ulnar fracture and salvage options for symptomatic malunion are reviewed. Viewing distal radius fracture as a sentinel event in a series of debilitating fragility fractures, patients must be evaluated and treated for the underlying osteoporosis.