Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly: Indications for Operative Management

Distal radius fractures are the most common fracture involving the upper extremity. Despite their frequency, there is a lack of consensus within the orthopedic community regarding indications for operative management of these injuries in the elderly population. An increase in the rate of operative fixation has been cited in the past decade, however, there is no definitive evidence in the literature to support such a trend. Although studies have reported successful functional outcomes with both operative and nonoperative management, the current evidence regarding indications for operative management remains inconclusive due to a lack of large-scale, prospective, randomized trials in the elderly population. Until evidence-based algorithms can be established, treatment decisions must be made based on clinical judgment and risk assessment, while taking into account the functional demands of each patient.