Treatment of distal radius fractures in the elderly

Evidence on the treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) in the elderly is lacking. Over the last decade new volar locking plates have increased in popularity as other means of treating DRF are pushed aside. No definitive evidence exists to support the use of volar locking plates especially among the elderly. There is some evidence that Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand-scores improve the first 3-6 months after treatment with volar locking plates only to become insignificant after 12 months. This article examines the evidence of the different modes of treatment.