Volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: Does age affect outcome?

BackgroundThe AAOS guidelines are unable to recommend for or against operative treatment of distal radius fractures in older patients.AimsThis study compares the outcomes of older patients (≥60 years) against a cohort of younger patients treated with volar locking plate (VLP) fixation.MethodsWe assessed 78 patients, comparing range of movement (ROM), grip and pinch strength, subjective Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for pain and function and composite outcome scores.ResultsThere was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups at six months.ConclusionOpen reduction and VLP for distal radius fractures gives comparable outcomes in the older population.