Using X-rays to ensure the precise anatomic restoration of distal radius fractures (DRF) does not improve patient outcomes in older adults, according to data from the WRIST trial.

The researchers used data from the US trial that evaluated DRF treatment options in older adults to investigate whether radiographic measures of anatomic restoration were associated with functional and patient-reported outcomes 12 months after treatment.

They found, in the younger group (aged 60-69), every degree increase in radial inclination away from normal was associated with 1.1kg weaker handgrip strength, but with a 1.3-point worsening of the patient-reported Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) score compared with the uninjured hand.

Among patients 70 years and older, each 1mm increase in ulnar variance towards normal was associated with a 10.4-point greater improvement in the MHQ activities of daily living for the injured hand vs the uninjured hand.