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Comparison of outcomes between nonsurgical and surgical treatment of distal radius fracture: a systematic review update and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Introduction

This study was a systematic review comparing the clinical outcomes of nonsurgical and surgical management for distal radius fractures.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. All databases were searched from the earliest records through June 2019 using the following Boolean operators: distal radius fracture, conservative treatment, nonoperative treatment, nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment, and operative. All prospective and retrospective controlled trials were retrieved that directly compared the functional outcomes between the nonsurgical and surgical groups.

Results

Five prospective studies and six retrospective comparative studies were retrieved. A total of 1049 patients were included: 529 in the nonsurgical group and 520 in the surgical group. Both types of treatment led to similar results with respect to DASH and grip strength, as well as and most other functional assessments. However, there was significant difference in radial inclination, radial length, ulnar variance and range of wrist flexion.

Conclusions

No significant differences in most functional assessments were found when comparing surgical and nonsurgical management of distal radius fractures. Although there were significant differences in radial inclination, radial deviation, ulnar variance, and wrist flexion, they did not seem to have impacts on the quality of wrist. Nonsurgical treatment for the distal radius fractures should be considered firstly. Indications for operative fixation should be considered carefully in the treatment of DRFs.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study (systematic review), Level III.

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Funding

Drs He, Tian, Ji, and Han have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

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Author notes

  1. Bo He and Xue Tian are co-first authors.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Achao Han, 26 Shengli Road, Wuhan, 430014, Hubei, China

    Bo He, Xue Tian & Achao Han

  2. Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China

    Gang Ji

Authors
  1. Bo He
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  2. Xue Tian
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  3. Gang Ji
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  4. Achao Han
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Correspondence to Achao Han.

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He, B., Tian, X., Ji, G. et al. Comparison of outcomes between nonsurgical and surgical treatment of distal radius fracture: a systematic review update and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 140, 1143–1153 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03487-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03487-3

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