Distal radius fracture in elderly

Distal radius fractures are common in elderly patients, and the incidence continuesto increase as the population ages. The goal of treatment is to provide a painlessextremity with good function. In surgical decision making, special attention shouldbe given to the patient›s bone quality and functional activity level. Most of thesefractures can be treated nonsurgically, and careful closed reduction should aimfor maintenance of anatomic alignment with a focus on protecting fragile softtissues. Locked plating is typically used for fracture management when surgical fixation is appropriate. Surgical treatment improves alignment, but improvementin radiographic parameters may not lead to better clinical outcomes. Treatmentprinciples, strategies, and clinical outcomes vary for these injuries, with elderlypatients warranting special consideration.