The evolution of radiological measurements and the association with clinician and patient reported outcome following distal radius fractures in non-osteoporotic patients: what is clinically relevant?

Abstract Introduction Following distal radius fractures in young non-osteoporotic patients, clinical relevancy of outcome has been scarcely reported. Outcome can be put in perspective by using measurement errors of radiological measurements and Minimal Important Change when reporting on clinician and patient reported outcome. Aim of this study was to assess the clinical relevance of radiological measurements, clinician and patient reported outcomes following distal radius fractures in young non-osteoporotic patients. Methods Retrospective cohort study. Non-osteoporotic patients following a distal radius fracture were selected. Radiographs of both wrists were obtained at baseline, 6 weeks and at follow-up. Active range of motion and grip strength measurements were obtained at the follow-up visit and 4 questionnaires were answered to assess pain, upper extremity functioning, and health status. Results Seventy-three patients (32 women, 41 men) with a mean age of 33.5 (SD 9.2) years at the time of injury were included. Median follow up was 62 months (IQR 53.0–84.5). Several radiological measurements evolved statistically significantly over time, however none exceeded measurement errors. Flexion/extension difference of injured compared to uninjured wrist (mean difference 11.2°, t = −7.5, df = 72, p < 0.001), exceeded Minimal Important Change, while grip strength differences did not. When comparing patients with DRFs to healthy controls, only the differences on Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation subscales “pain”, “function” and total scores exceeded minimal important change (8, 10 and 13 points, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between residual step-off and respectively diminished flexion/extension (B = −36.8, 95% CI −62; −11.1, p = 0.006), diminished radial/ulnar deviation (B = −17.9, 95% CI −32.0; −3.9, p = 0.013) and worse ShortForm-36 “mental component score” (B = −15.4, 95% CI −26.6; −4.2, p < 0.001). Conclusion Radiological measurements following distal radius fractures seem to evolve over time, but differences were small and were probably not clinically relevant. Range of motion, in particular flexion/extension, was impaired to such extend that it was noticeable for a patient, whereas grip strength was not impaired. The Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation was clinically relevantly diminished. Residual articular incongruency seems to influence range of motion. Implications for rehabilitation Reporting Minimal Important Change regarding clinician and patient reported outcome following distal radius fractures is of more clinical value than reporting on statistical significance. Following distal radius fractures, the changes in radiological measurements do not seem to reflect a clinical relevant change. Range of motion, in particular flexion/extension, should be measured following distal radius fractures, as this might be impaired in a clinically relevant way. Measuring grip strength is of less importance following distal radius fractures, because grip strength does not seem to be affected. Residual articular incongruency seems to influence range of motion and therefore should be reduced to a minimum when treating non-osteoporotic patients.