Operative vs. Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Operative vs. Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Even though broken wrists are of frequent occurrence, the investigators see a lack of extensive and well executed international studies to clarify which is the best treatment for elderly participants at 65+ years. The Danish Health and Medicines Authority recommend that broken wrists are treated with surgery by using plates and screws when certain radiological criteria are met. Recent studies show that, apparently, there are no advantages by operating rather than treating with plaster when comparing the functional results after one year. However, there is a 30 % risk of serious complications occurring after surgery. This study will examine the pros and cons that participants at 65+ years with broken wrists experience after, by lot, having been treated with either surgery (using plates and screws) or without surgery (using plaster for 5 weeks). The purpose of this study is to compare the complications and level of functioning between participants treated with surgery and without surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Danish National Guidelines for operative treatment of distal radius fractures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients treated with plaster in Arm1/control group who unexpectedly requires surgery