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Evidence summaries

Early and Late Instability after Fractures of the Distal Radius

Degree of radial shortening and volar tilt may be the strongest predictors for dislocation in radial fractures. Level of evidence: "C"

Several surgical observational clinical studies (1, 2, 3) have assessed the predictors of early and late instability after fractures of distal radius. Degree of radial shortening and volar tilt have been identified as strongest predictors for early instability. Radial inclination, age, radial shortening, and volar tilt have been shown to be the strongest predictors for late failure.

    References

    • Leone J, Bhandari M, Adili A, McKenzie S, Moro JK, Dunlop RB. Predictors of early and late instability following conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2004 Jan;124(1):38-41. [PubMed]
    • Altissimi M, Mancini GB, Azzarà A, Ciaffoloni E. Early and late displacement of fractures of the distal radius. The prediction of instability. Int Orthop 1994 Apr;18(2):61-5. [PubMed]
    • Tsukazaki T, Takagi K, Iwasaki K. Poor correlation between functional results and radiographic findings in Colles' fracture. J Hand Surg [Br] 1993 Oct;18(5):588-91. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords