Surgical Treatment of Bilateral Distal Radius Fractures: An Analysis of Epidemiological Variables and Outcome Parameters

Objective: Bilateral Distal Radius Fractures (DRFs) are rare injuries with an unknown exact incidence. The existing literature on treatment and outcomes consists of a limited number of case reports and retrospective case series. Our aim was to investigate the epidemiological factors and report the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgically treated bilateral distal radius fractures.

Methods: Patients admitted to two different tertiary trauma centers between 2021 and 2023 with a diagnosis of bilateral DRF treated surgically were examined. Demographic data, fracture types, concomitant fractures and injuries, presence or absence of ulna fracture, and presence of complications were evaluated in all patients. Functional results were evaluated with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (QDASH) Scoring System, and radiological results were assessed with radial shortening, radial inclination, and volar tilt parameters.

Results: The most common concomitant fractures were elbow fractures (71.4%), and the most common fractures around the elbow were radial head fractures (42.9%). In the lower extremity, femur fractures were the most common concomitant injuries. The mean QDASH score was 24.1 ± 17.8 (range: 6.8-75) at the last follow-up of the operated patients. In patients with concomitant fractures, the level of comminution of the distal radius fracture was lesser, but the postoperative radial shortness was higher on the dominant side (P = .032 and P=.029, respectively).

Conclusion: Bilateral distal radius fractures are significant injuries that can be effectively treated with volar plate fixation. With volar plating, QDASH scores similar to unilateral DRFs can be achieved in bilateral DRFs. Despite their rarity, it is important to recognize their potential association with the fractures near the elbow.

Cite this article as: Gencer B, Ender İbaç S, Teoman Yeni B, Sezer T, Doğan Ö. Surgical treatment of bilateral distal radius fractures: An analysis of epidemiological variables and outcome parameters. Arch Basic Clin Res. 2024;6(3):202-208.