Factors related to a decline in upper extremity function among patients with a wrist fracture due to a fall

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify factors related to a decline in function following a wrist fracture.

Methods: Observational, prospective cohort study done in five public hospitals of the Basque Health Service. We recruited adults aged 65 or older with a wrist fracture due to a fall who attended the emergency department (ED) of one of these hospitals. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, along with information about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functionality.

Results: A decline in function 6 months after the fracture was more likely among women (OR=3.409; 95% CI=1.920-6.053), patients receiving institutional help before the fracture (OR=5.717; 95% CI=1.644-19.883), patients who developed fracture-related complications within 6 months of the fall (OR=5.015; 95% CI=1.377-18.268), patients who visited an ED within 6 months of the fall (OR=1.646; 95% CI=1.058-2.561), patients with a displaced fracture (OR=1.595; 95% CI=1.106-2.300), and patients who broke the dominant hand (OR=1.464; 95% CI=1.019-2.103). Better baseline HRQoL and function were associated with smaller declines in function 6 months after the fall. Eighteen months after the fall, decline in function was more likely among women (OR=2.172; 95% CI=1.138-4.144) and patients visiting an ED because of fracture-related complications (OR=1.722; 95% CI=1.113-2.663). Better HRQoL and dependency level at baseline were associated with less decline in function 18 months after the fracture.

Discussion: Two different models identified several parameters related to declines in upper extremity function 6 and 18 months after the fracture.

Conclusions: These results can help develop preventive actions needed to avoid or reduce the consequences of these falls.