Fixation of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures

Wrist fractures are the most common type of fractures that occur in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Approximately 250,000 to 300,000 wrist fractures occur in the United States each year. Although some wrist fractures can be treated using casts, many other fractures must be treated with surgery. The surgery involves using metal plates and screws to put the broken pieces of bone together so that they can heal. The purpose of this study is to compare two specific types of surgery that are used to treat broken wrists. One type uses pieces of metal that are placed on the outside of the broken pieces of bone that are screwed in place while the broken bones heal. The other type of surgery involves placing a piece of metal inside the bone marrow to hold the broken pieces of bone together as they heal. Individuals with broken wrists who participate in this study will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two types of surgical treatment. Both surgical treatments are approved and are not experimental. Study participants will be followed closely after surgery to determine the time required for them to return to their usual daily activities involving the use of their arms and hands. Although both groups of study participants are expected to experience the same outcomes at one year, those participants that receive the device placed inside the bone marrow may return to their normal functional activities earlier than the ones treated with the plate placed on the outside of the bone. Study participants and their surgeons will complete data sheets and questionnaires that will document their progress following treatment of their wrist fractures.