Distal Radius Fracture Clinical Practice Guidelines-Updates and Clinical Implications

Abstract

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand released updated Clinical Practice Guidelines in 2020 on the evaluation and treatment of acute distal radius fractures. Following a rigorous methodology designed and implemented through the AAOS, 7 guidelines based upon the best available evidence were released to assist surgeons and physicians managing distal radius fractures. These guidelines can serve as a reference for surgeons when managing patients with distal radius fractures. We review the evidence behind each guideline and highlight the practical implications of each guideline on care.

Keywords: Clinical decision-making; clinical practice guidelines; distal radius fracture; surgical fixation; wrist fracture.