Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Abstract

Aims:  The accurate prevalence and trend of distal radius fracture is not well documented in Maharashtra, India. This hospital based study amis to provide authentic incidence rates of this fracture and long term trend in elderly residents of Sindhudurg.

Study Design: Department of Orthopaedics, Government District Hospital, Sindhudurg, Maharshtra, India, between 2000 to 2011.

Methodology: All patients of distal radius fracture, above the age of 50 years treated by one surgeon at one hospital are included in this retrospective study, solely on the final diagnosis mentioned on case paper according to Frykman classification system.

Results: There were 947 distal radius fractures, out of which 644 (66.1%) men. This study notifies the increased incidence of distal radius fracture in elderly men, than in women, contrary to the western hemisphere literature. The incidence was highest in men between 51 to 70 years with almost linear rise up to the end of study period; with a relative risk of 2.2 (95% CI 2.1 to 2.6). A border line evidence of straight rise in women was seen at 71 to 80 years (p = 0.05) with a common odd ratio of 1.1 (95% CI 0.7 to 1.5). The age range 51 to 70 years showed homogeneity (p = 0.21) with 2.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.9). A definite increasing trend is observed, during rainy season of June to September months throughout the whole study period with rates as high as for both sexes, 423(43.4%) ( p>0.001 )

Conclusion: This long term study reported increasing trend in the incidence of distal radius fractures in both elderly men and women. The incidence was highest in 51 To 70 years age group with highest number of low energy falls. This will be of great help for the future benefit risk ratio of fragility distal radius fracture prevention efforts.