What Effect Have Emerging Technologies Had on Distal Radius Fracture Treatment? A Cross-sectional Analysis 2002 to 2018

Since the year 2000, there have been numerous advances in the indications for surgery and technical/procedural fixation methods regarding the treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiological trends surrounding their management. The authors hypothesize that the reported treatment for DRF will correlate with the advancing technologies in plating. Through cross-sectional analysis of a state healthcare hospital database from 2002 to 2018, 79,481 treated DRFs were identified. Operative management of DRFs significantly increased from 2002 to 2010. However, from 2011 to 2018, the incidence in operative treatment declined. From 2002 to 2018, a significant decline in both closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP) and external fixation (Ex-Fix) was also observed. Of the operative cases, a significant trend toward plate fixation was demonstrated between 2002 and 2018. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 35(1):035 – 037, 2026)

Key words: distal radius fracture, surgery, ORIF, external fixation, percutaneous pinning