[Evolution of the treatment of distal radius fractures in Spain. Is this the right way to go?]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the changes in the treatment of distal radius fractures that have occurred in recent years at our center. To analyze the changes that have occurred and their possible causes.

Material and methods: We analyzed the hospital admission data from our center, both total admissions and those due to distal radius fractures. Surgical activity records show the evolution of the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures throughout time. Using the data from 2 research works done at our center we assessed the radiological and functional results obtained with an external fixator and nails and with buttress plates. We reviewed the updated bibliography trying to identify new evidence leading to treatment changes.

Results: Objective evidence shows a marked evolution towards the use of open reduction and internal fixation to treat distal radius fractures. We did not identify data in our studies that show poor results with the use of external fixators and nails or a clear superiority of the open reduction methods. These data are not available in the current bibliography.

Conclusion: The treatment of distal radius fractures is being modified. This change is not based on contrasted clinical or bibliographic data. We need to ask whether this is due to commercial pressure or to a perception of surgeons that is yet to be proven in quality studies.