Fracture of the distal forearm as a forecaster of subsequent hip fracture: A population-based cohort study with 24 years of follow-up

Summary Objective: To determine the long-term risk of hip fracture following fracture of the distal forearm. Design: Registry-based cohort study comparing patients with a fracture of the distal forearm with a population-based cohort. Fracture cohort: All women and men above 40 years of age with a radiologically verified fracture of the distal forearm during a 5-year period. 1968–1972, in all 1,126 women and 212 men. Control cohort: An equal number of population-based, age-and sex-matched control persons selected from a population register. Measurements: All cohort members were followed up individually through record linkage until the first hip fracture, emigration, death, or the end of 1991. The cohort members contributed a total of 40,832 person-years of observation, and altogether 365 cases of hip fractures were observed. Results: Both women and men with a fracture of the distal forearm ran an increased risk of sustaining a subsequent hip fracture. The overall relative hazard for the women was 1.54 and for men 2.27. The increased risk in the women was independent of age at inclusion, but that in the men was more pronounced in the younger age groups. Conclusions: Patients with a fracture of the distal forearm run an increased risk of sustaining a subsequent hip fracture. They therefore appear to constitute a group in which appropriate prophylactic measures against osteoporosis and fractures should be considered.     

带锁髓内针治疗尺桡骨骨折

目的评价采用交锁髓内钉固定技术治疗前臂双骨折的临床疗效。方法我院自2005年1月～2006年12月,采用施乐辉Foresight带锁髓内针固定术治疗尺桡骨双骨折16例,随访12～36个月,应用Berton评定标准评价临床疗效。结果根据Berton评定标准：优10例,良4例,中1例,差1例,优良率达93％。结论正确应用交锁髓内钉治疗前臂双骨折是一种微创、操作简单的手术方法。     

A study of bone mineral density in women with forearm fracture in Northern Ireland

A group of Northern Ireland women aged 40–75 years of age with low-trauma forearm fracture were studied to determine the incidence of such fractures and the prevalence of osteoporosis in this fracture population. A total of 1,147 subjects were identified in 1997 and 1998 throughout Northern Ireland following low-trauma forearm fractures, as well as 699 residents in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB), enabling calculation of the annual incidence rate of new low-trauma forearm fractures at 2.69/1,000 population aged 40–75. A total of 375 participants consented to have bone mineral density (BMD) measurements undertaken at the femoral neck, spine, and forearm using a Lunar Expert bone densitometer. Osteoporosis at the femur was present in 14% of women, at the spine in 29%, and at the forearm in 32%. A total of 45% were osteoporotic at one or more measured sites, but only 18% were on treatment for osteoporosis. Additional significant risk factors identified included an early menopause in 24.5% and current or previous corticosteroid use in 13%. Only 1.6% received information on treatment of osteoporosis at the time of fracture. Increased awareness is needed in both primary and secondary care including fracture services to improve treatment of women with low-trauma fracture.     

Simultaneous Ipsilateral Fracture of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist in a Child

Abstract The simultaneous occurrence of ipsilateral humeral supracondylar, forearm and wrist fractures is an uncommon injury. This fracture pattern is very difficult to treat, but no detailed cases were found in the English literature. A case of this unusual combination in a teenager is reported, successfully managed by open reduction and Kirschner wire (K–wire) fixation of the elbow fracture with open reduction of the forearm fractures and fixation with long intramedullary K–wires.     

Accuracy of radiographs in assessment of displacement in lateral humeral condyle fractures

Purpose

Determining the magnitude of displacement in pediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures can be difficult. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the effect of forearm rotation on true fracture displacement using a cadaver model and to (2) determine the accuracy of radiographic measurements of the fracture gap.

Methods

A non-displaced fracture was created in three human cadaveric arms. The specimens were mounted on a custom apparatus allowing forearm rotation with the humerus fixed. First, the effect of pure rotation on fracture displacement was simulated by rotating the forearm from supination to pronation about the central axis of the forearm, to isolate the effects of muscle pull. Then, the clinical condition of obtaining a lateral oblique radiograph was simulated by rotating the forearm about the medial aspect of the forearm. Fracture displacements were measured using a motion-capture system (true-displacement) and clinical radiographs (apparent-displacement).

Results

During pure rotation of the forearm, there were no significant differences in fracture displacement between supination and pronation, with changes in displacement of <1.0 mm. During rotation about the medial aspect of the forearm, there was a significant difference in true displacements between supination and pronation at the posterior edge (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, true fracture displacement measurements were larger than apparent radiographic displacement measurements, with differences from 1.6 to 6.0 mm, suggesting that the current clinical methods may not be sensitive enough to detect a displacement of 2.0 mm, especially when positioning the upper extremity for an internal oblique lateral radiograph.     

应用前臂带锁髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨折初步疗效分析

目的 探讨髓内钉固定系统治疗尺、桡骨骨折的临床疗效. 方法自2003年lO月至2007年3月收治并获得随访的尺、桡骨骨折患者共94例,其中尺骨骨折35例,桡骨骨折38例,尺、桡骨双骨折21例,均为闭合性骨折.所有患者均采用闭合复位或小切口有限切开复位髓内钉内固定术,术前若伴有上、下尺桡关节脱位的病例则行石膏单托前臂旋后位固定3周,否则术后早期功能锻炼.结果 所有患者随访9～26个月,平均13.5个月,术后骨折全部愈合,愈合时间8～14周,平均10.2周.并发症:术中骨质劈裂2例,桡神经浅支挫伤1例,骨桥连接1例,无血管、肌腱损伤、骨髓炎、不愈合、内固定失败病例,并发症发生率4.2%.术后半年Anderson功能评价:优68例,良22例,可4例,总优良率95.7%.肘关节屈伸丧失0.150,平均5.5°,前臂旋前丧失0～35°,平均14.2°,旋后丧失0～50°,平均18°. 结论髓内钉用于尺、桡骨骨折的治疗有其独特的优势,特别是对于骨质疏松、多段、粉碎骨折,具有疗效满意、创伤小、并发症少的特点,但在l临床应用中需要掌握一定的熟练技术及指征.     

Surgery or Conservative Treatment of Forearm in Patients Diagnosed with Pediatric Floating Elbow? Retrospective Analysis of 60 Consecutive Cases

BackgroundThe coexistence of supracondylar humerus fracture and forearm fracture is a rare trauma (3–13%) and it is called floating elbow. The aim of this study is to clinically compare the treatment outcomes of the patients diagnosed with floating elbow who underwent surgical treatment and who were followed up forearm with immobilization with splint.Materials and MethodsWhen scanned retrospectively, 60 patients who were treated with the diagnosis of floating elbow due to traumatic causes and followed up for at least 1 year were included in our study. Surgical treatment was performed on 42 patients for forearm fracture. Eighteen patients followed up with immobilization with a long arm splint. The results were evaluated according to the criteria modified by Templeton and Graham, in comparison with the patient’s intact side.ResultsIn the patients whose forearms were followed up conservatively, the mean age was 5.67 ± 2.25 years, and the mean follow-up period was 62.17 ± 45.91 months. In the patients who underwent surgery for the forearm, the mean age was 8.79 ± 2.01 years, and the mean follow-up was 47.14 ± 34.25 months. Eighteen patients whose forearms followed up conservatively, 12 had excellent and good clinical results and 6 had poor and moderate clinical results. Excellent and good clinical results in 27 patients who underwent surgical treatment for their forearms, moderate and poor clinical results obtained in 15 of them. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.357).ConclusionsIn conclusion, satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes can be obtained with immobilization of the forearm fracture with splint, if acceptable reduction can be provided for the forearm following fixation of the supracondylar humerus fracture with the K-wire for treatment of floating elbow injury.     

Forearm Fractures as Predictors of Subsequent Osteoporotic Fractures

To assess the ability of distal forearm fractures to predict future fractures, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study among the 1288 residents (243 men, 1045 women) of Rochester, Minnesota age 35 years or older who experienced their first distal forearm fracture in 1975–94. During 9664 person-years of follow-up, 548 patients experienced 1109 subsequent fractures, excluding 195 that occurred on the same day as the index forearm fracture. The cumulative incidence of any subsequent fracture was 55% by 10 years and 80% by 20 years following the initial distal forearm fracture. Compared to expected fracture rates in the community, the risk of a hip fracture following the index forearm fracture was increased 1.4-fold in women (95% CI, 1.1–1.8) and 2.7-fold in men (95% CI, 0.98–5.8). In women, the risk of hip fracture differed by age, as we had found in a previous study. Women over age 70 had a 1.6-fold increase (95% CI, 1.2–2.0) in subsequent hip fracture risk whereas women who sustained their first forearm fracture before age 70 years did not have significantly increased risk. By contrast, vertebral fractures were significantly increased at all ages, with a 5.2-fold increase (95% CI, 4.5–5.9) in risk among women and a 10.7-fold increase (95% CI, 6.7–16.3) among men following a first distal forearm fracture. The increased risk in men suggests that a sentinel forearm fracture should not be ignored. Among the women, we also found a missed opportunity for intervention as hormone replacement therapy was underutilized. Received: 8 May 1998 / Accepted: 16 October 1998     

Nonunion of a Pediatric Distal Radial Metaphyseal Fracture Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Abstract A boy, age 9, presented with deformation and pain of the left distal forearm, 1 year after a plate osteosynthesis for a distal radial metaphyseal fracture. This case showed a pediatric nonunion of a distal radial metaphyseal fracture which caused strong deformation of the left distal forearm. This is an extremely rare complication in children following an open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced distal forearm fracture. Key points of pediatric fracture healing are discussed and a review of the literature is given.     

The annual incidence and seasonal variation of fractures of the distal radius in men and women over 25 years in Dorset, UK

Adults who suffer fractures of the distal radius are at increased risk of further osteoporosis related fractures and represent a high-risk group in whom therapies are available to reduce the risk. We have undertaken a prospective study of distal radius fracture patients over the age of 25 years to establish the extent of the problem in Dorset. All patients presenting with any forearm fracture to hospitals serving Dorset residents during 1 year were identified. Fracture type was assessed following scrutiny of the hospital notes. Analysis included calculation of rates per 10,000 population using Dorset Health Authority population estimates and seasonal variation. Ninety-six percent of all patients presented to three of the seven hospitals. One thousand six hundred and eighty-eight individuals with a diagnosis of forearm fracture were identified but only 1300 had a fracture of the distal radius. There was a female:male ratio of 3.9:1. In women, the incidence of distal radius fracture rose from a premenopausal baseline of 10 per 10,000 population per year to a peak of 120 per 10,000 population per year over 85 years. In men, the fracture incidence gradually increased from 10 per 10,000 before 65 years to 33 per 10,000 after 85 years. There was a detectable seasonal variation. Our data are in keeping with recent surveys in Europe and suggest that a change in the incidence of fracture of the distal radius with age has occurred over the last 30 years.     

Acumed前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨折的临床研究

目的观察Acumed前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨折的临床疗效。方法采用Aeumed前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨折33例,其中男23例,女10例;年龄21～65岁,平均37．5岁。桡骨干单骨折13例,尺骨干单骨折18例,前臂双骨折2例。结果30例患者得到随访,随访8～16个月,平均13．4个月,29例顺利愈合,平均愈合时间为14周,1例桡骨干骨折出现不愈合,后给予更换内固定后愈合。根据Anderson评分,优21例,良7例,可1例,差1例,本组优良率,93．3％。结论．．Acumed前臂髓内钉具有手术简单、微创等优点,对骨折愈合及伤肢功能恢复有较好的临床疗效。     

Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉微创技术临床应用

目的探讨应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨干骨折的手术疗效。方法2005年7月至2007年3月，应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗前臂骨折32例，其中男18例，女14例；年龄26～71岁，平均42岁。前臂尺、桡骨双骨折17例，尺骨骨折8例，桡骨骨折7例。32例中多段骨折7例，陈旧性骨折骨不连2例。结果术后随访3～21个月，平均7个月。术后无病例发生伤口感染及出现髓内钉断裂或松动，32例患者均完全骨性愈合，愈合时间平均为4个月。按Anderson评分标准评定，优28例，良4例。肘关节伸屈活动功能丧失5°～30°，平均17．5°；前臂旋前功能丧失10°～35°，平均21．6°；旋后功能丧失10°～40°，平均27．5°。结论应用Sanatmetal前臂髓内钉治疗尺桡骨骨干骨折．具有手术损伤小、固定牢固等优点，是治疗前臂骨折较理想的手术方法。     

The “floating forearm” injury in a child: a case report

Abstract: The case of a eleven-year-old girl who had a fracture dislocation of the left elbow with entrapment of the ulnar nerve into the dislocated ulnar epicondyle anlage and unstable forearm fracture of the ipslateral upper extremity is described. This severe injury to the elbow and the ipsilateral forearm is termed “floating forearm” injury. The forearm was stabilized percutaneously and the elbow fracture dislocation, remaining unstable after internal fixation was treated with a pediatric elbow fixator with motion capacity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this articlecontains supplementary material, which is available on SpringerLink     

应用FRAX预测女性骨质疏松性骨折风险的对比研究

目的应用FRAX对比女性前臂骨密度和股骨颈骨密度进行骨质疏松性骨折的风险预测。方法对行骨密度检查的女性作回顾性分析,其中行前臂骨密度检查10 519例,行股骨颈骨密度检查1 280例。根据FRAX指定的危险因子,记录研究对象的年龄、身高、体重、既往骨折史、父母髋部骨折史、吸烟史、饮酒史、长期使用类固醇激素史、类风湿性关节炎及其他继发性骨质疏松症史、前臂和股骨颈的骨密度值或T值。以每10岁年龄段分组,分别运用前臂骨密度T值及股骨颈骨密度计算FRAX评分。应用SPSS 19.0统计分析软件,两组间计量数据比较使用t检验,不符合t检验条件时使用非参数秩和检验。P0.05为差异有统计学意义。结果前臂骨密度低于股骨颈骨密度。40～50岁组骨密度T值前臂要高于股骨颈,60～80岁组骨密度T值前臂低于股骨颈,除80岁组外,其他各组差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。40岁组前臂骨质疏松检出率低于股骨颈骨质疏松检出率;50～80岁组前臂骨质疏松检出率较高(P0.05)。40～50岁组预测主要部位骨折风险前臂要低于股骨颈;70岁组预测主要部位骨折风险系数前臂要高于股骨颈(P0.05)。40～50岁组预测髋部骨折风险前臂低于股骨颈;70岁组预测髋部骨折风险系数前臂高于股骨颈(P0.05)。结论前臂骨密度可以用于FRAX进行骨折风险的预测,但各年龄段的评估概率会与股骨颈有一定差距,还需进行深入细致更准确的研究。     

Geometric variables from DXA of the radius predict forearm fracture load in vitro

Summary The purpose of this investigation was to determine the cross-sectional geometry of the radius in female and male cadaveric specimens using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to measure the accuracy of this technique compared with a digitizing procedure, and to measure the correlation between these DXA-based geometric variables and the load required to produce a forearm fracture. Paired intact forearms were scanned at a distal site and at a site approximately 30% of the forearm length from the distal end. The cross-sectional area and the moments of inertia of two sections at 10 and 30% of the forearm length were computed from the X-ray attenuation data. One member of each pair was then sectioned at the 30% location, which is mostly cortical bone, and the section was traced on a digitizing pad. The other forearm was loaded to failure in a servohydraulic materials test system. The DXA-based area and moment of inertia at 30% correlated significantly with the digitized results (r²=0.93 for area; r²=0.95 for moment; P<0.001). The conventional bone mineral density from DXA did not associate significantly with failure load, but the minimum moment of inertia and the cross-sectional area at 10% correlated in a strong and significant manner with the forearm fracture force (r²=0.67 for area; r²=0.66 for moment; P<0.001). The determination of radial bone cross-sectional geometry, therefore, should have better discriminatory capabilities than bone mineral density in studies of bone fragility and fracture risk.     

应用钛钢板内固定治疗164例前臂骨折的疗效观察

目的探讨前臂骨折的治疗方法与疗效。方法对164例前臂骨折采用切开复位钛板坚强内固定治疗进行回顾性分析。结果本组患者均随访4-15个月,平均9个月,优118例,良38例,可6例,差2例,优良率95.1%。结论对前臂骨折采用切开复位钛板坚强内固定治疗能取得优良效果。     

Epidemiology of distal forearm fractures in Oslo, Norway

Summary The population of Oslo has the highest incidence of hip fracture reported. The present study shows that the overall incidence of distal forearm fractures in Oslo is higher than in other countries and has not changed significantly when comparing the incidence of 1998/99 with 1979. Introduction The population of Oslo has the highest incidence of hip fracture reported. The present study reports the incidence of distal forearm fracture in Oslo and the fracture rates of immigrants. Methods Patients aged ≥20 years resident in Oslo sustaining a distal forearm fracture in a one-year period in 1998/99 were identified using electronic diagnosis registers, patient protocols, and/or X-ray registers of the clinics in Oslo. Medical records were obtained and the diagnosis verified. The age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and compared with those for 1979. Data on immigrant category and country of origin of the patients were obtained. Results The age-adjusted fracture rates per 10,000 for the age group ≥50 years were 109.8 and 25.4 in 1998/99 compared with 108.3 and 23.5 in 1979 for women and men, respectively (n.s.). The relative risk of fracture in Asians was 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–1.00) compared with ethnic Norwegians. Conclusions The overall incidence of distal forearm fractures in Oslo is higher than in other countries and has not changed significantly when comparing the incidence of 1998/99 with 1979. Furthermore, the present data suggest that Asian immigrants in Oslo have a slightly lower fracture risk than ethnic Norwegians.     

The effect of age and bone mineral density on the absolute, excess, and relative risk of fracture in postmenopausal women aged 50–99: results from the National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (NORA)

Introduction This study evaluates the effect of age and bone mineral density (BMD) on the absolute, excess, and relative risk for osteoporotic fractures at the hip, wrist, forearm, spine, and rib within 3 years of peripheral BMD testing in postmenopausal women over a wide range of postmenopausal ages. Methods Data were obtained from 170,083 women, aged 50–99 years, enrolled in the National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (NORA) following recruitment from their primary care physicians’ offices across the United States. Risk factors for fracture and peripheral BMD T-scores at the heel, forearm, or finger were obtained at baseline. Self-reported new fractures at the hip, spine, rib, wrist, and forearm were obtained from questionnaires at 1- and 3-year follow-ups. Absolute, excess (attributable to low BMD), and unadjusted and adjusted relative risks of fracture were calculated. Results At follow-up, 5312 women reported 5676 fractures (868 hip, 2420 wrist/forearm, 1531 rib, and 857 spine). Absolute risk of fracture increased with age for all fracture sites. This age-effect was most evident for hip fracture – both the incidence and the excess risk of hip fracture for women with low BMD increased at least twofold for each decade increase in age. The relative risk for any fracture per 1 SD decrease in BMD was similar across age groups (p>0.07). Women with low BMD (T-score <−1.0) had a similar relative risk for fracture regardless of age. Conclusions At any given BMD, not only the absolute fracture risk but also the excess fracture risk increased with advancing age. Relative risk of fracture for low bone mass was consistent across all age groups from 50 to 99 years. Funding/Support: NORA was funded and managed by Merck & Co., Inc. These data were presented in part as a poster at the annual meeting of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research; October 1, 2004.     

Comminuted fractures of ipsilateral radial head and distal radius: A rare injury pattern

A new injury pattern of comminuted fractures of ipsilateral radial head and distal radius of forearm in an adult was described. To the best of our knowledge, this type of injury pattern had not been previously reported in the English literature. The possible mechanisms of injury were that the rebound forces were volar to the distal radius as the fracture was dorsally angulated, with a continuation of the radial head fracture due to the longitudinal impaction of the radius against the capitellum. Open reduction and internal fixation can obtain excellent results within 7e12 days after injury. We hope that our experience will increase the awareness of the occurrence of a double injury of the forearm.     

Distal radius fracture is an early sign of general osteoporosis: Bone mass measurements in a population-based study

To evaluate the bone mass by bone density measurements in patients with distal radius fracture, a prospective open case-control study was carried out in the county of Uppsala, Sweden, with population-based cases and controls. There were 111 patients with a distal radius fracture who were otherwise healthy and aged 53–76 years, together with 60 healthy controls of similar age, sex and menopausal status. The main outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and hip measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and in the (non-fractured) distal forearm determined by single-photon absorptiometry. It was found that at all measuring sites BMD was significantly lower in cases than in controls. The difference in the distal forearm was around 20% (p<0.001) and in the spine and hip 5%–8% (p<0.05–0.001). In the healthy subjects there were positive correlations (r=0.39–0.65;p<0.002) between the forearm BMD and that of both the spine and hip, whereas in the patients with distal radius fracture there was only a weak correlation between the forearm and spine BMD (r=0.28;p<0.05) and no association between the BMD of the forearm and hip (r<0.01). It is concluded that patients with distal radius fracture who are otherwise healthy have a preferential bone loss at the distal forearm but also a generally low bone mass. Patients with fracture of the distal radius fracture should be considered for prophylactic measures against osteoporosis.