Prognosis
Nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures
These fractures are uniformly associated with excellent outcomes. Following immobilization for 3-4 weeks, and occupational therapy, recovery of motion and strength occurs within 8-12 weeks, although a complete recovery may take several months.
Displaced fractures
Strong evidence suggests no significant difference in radiographic or patient-reported outcomes between fixation techniques for complete articular or unstable distal radius fractures.[35] Randomized controlled trials have reported that 28% to 42% of nonoperatively managed patients have a subsequent surgical procedure.[65]
The decision about whether a surgical intervention is warranted should be discussed between the patient and surgeon.
Outcome measures
It has been traditionally suggested that the outcome of these fractures is uniformly satisfactory. However, it is recognized that satisfactory outcomes, while common, are not always the norm. Furthermore, the definition of a satisfactory outcome can vary depending upon a number of factors, including patient age, occupation and functional demands, type and energy of injury, dominant or nondominant limb affected, presence of any associated injury, duration of follow-up, and the assessment tools utilized to define outcome.
Increasingly, there is a shift from physician-rated criteria to patient-rated outcomes. These include patient-rated wrist evaluations and outcome tools such as the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand.[89][90]
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