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

Background: The AAOS guidelines are unable to recommend for or against operative treatment of distal radius fractures in older patients.

Aims: This study compares the outcomes of older patients (≥60 years) against a cohort of younger patients treated with volar locking plate (VLP) fixation.

Methods: We 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.

Results: There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups at six months.

Conclusion: Open reduction and VLP for distal radius fractures gives comparable outcomes in the older population.