Research Article Distal Radial Fractures in the Superelderly: Does Malunion Affect Functional Outcome?

which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Purpose. The management of unstable distal radial fractures in the superelderly (≥80 years old) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcome of super-elderly patients with and without malunion after a distal radial fracture. Methods. We identified 51 superelderly patients living independently with displaced fractures from a prospective database of 4024 patients with distal radial fractures. Activities of daily living, presence of wrist pain, whether the wrist had returned to its normal level function, grip strength and ROMwere recorded.The dorsal angulation was measured radiographically. Results. There were 17 (33.3%) patients defined to have a malunion.The outcomes of the independent patients with and without malunion were compared at a mean follow-up of 15 months. No difference was observed in activities of daily living