Management of distal radius fractures in the emergency department: A long-term functional outcome measure study with the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores

Objective: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common presentation to the ED. However, little is known about the long-term functional outcome of these patients following their initial management in the ED. Methods: In order to evaluate the long-term functional outcome of DRF, we collected the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores from the patients who attended our ED with DRF between January 2014 and June 2015. We divided the patients into two groups based on their overall management: (i) conservative group who did not have any surgical interventions; and (ii) open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) group who needed surgical interventions in the theatre. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the statistically significant predictor variables. Results: Out of the 229 patients whom we contacted, 128 patients responded. The response rate was 56%. The majority of the patients belonged to the conservative group (n = 87, 75%), while one-quarter of the patients were in the ORIF group (n = 29, 25%). DASH score was higher in the ORIF group (median = 12.1, 95% confidence interval 5.6-25) than the conservative group (median = 6, 95% confidence interval 1.7-16.4). This difference between the groups was statistically significant (unadjusted P = 0.017, Wilcoxon test). Multiple linear regression models revealed that the management group and age of the patients were significant predictors for DASH score. Conclusion: Conservative management had lower DASH scores signifying better functional outcomes. Further prospective multicentre studies may be suggested to assess the generalisability of the study.