Physical Performance Level and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Female Patients with Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of physical performance level on patient-reported outcomes after surgery for distal radius fractures (DRF).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 157 women with DRF who underwent surgery and completed the short physical performance battery (SPPB) within one month of trauma between January 2019 and August 2022. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed one year postoperatively using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted using patient characteristics, fracture type, treatment-related factors, and SPPB results to evaluate the factors associated with patient-reported outcomes.

Results: Multivariate linear regression model revealed that dominant hand involvement (B=7.329; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.901-11.757; P=0.001) and lower SPPB scores (B=-2.145; 95% CI, -3.194 to -1.096; P<0.001) were significantly associated with higher DASH and PRWE scores.

Conclusions: Physical performance level evaluated using the SPPB was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes of DRF after surgery. Physicians should implement a systematic approach to enhance physical performance along with appropriate fracture treatment to improve clinical outcomes following surgery for DRF.