Fractures of the distal radius Epidemiology, treatment and outcome

In chapter 1 we performed a population-based study to estimate the overall and type-specific incidences of distal radius fractures in an urban population in the Netherlands. The incidence of distal radius fractures increases with age.
In chapter 2 we conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the practice variation of surgical treatment of distal radius fractures between three Dutch hospitals. Significantly more patients were treated operatively in the academic hospital in comparison to the teaching and non-teaching hospital.
In chapter 3 we conducted a retrospective study to assess the association between patient related outcome measures (PROMs) and radiological criteria in patients with extra-articular distal radial fractures. We observed no effect of radiographic parameters on the PROMs.
In chapter 4 we conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether the duration of cast immobilization for patients with non- or minimally displaced distal radial fractures can be safely shortened toward 3 weeks. Shortening the period of immobilization seems to lead to equal PROMS for both groups.
In chapter 5 we performed a systematic review to assess the prevalence of complications following volar locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures. We conclude that volar locking plate fixation is a reasonably safe treatment option for patients with distal radial fractures.
In chapter 6 we performed a literature study to compare bridging external fixation with volar locked plating in patients with unstable distal radial fractures regarding functional outcome. Patients treated with a volar locking plate showed significantly better functional outcome throughout the entire follow-up.