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Sarcopenia in distal radius fractures: systematic review of the literature and current findings

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Sarcopenia is a clinical syndrome characterized by the reduction in muscle mass, strength and physical ability. Although proximal femur fractures are one of the major burdens affecting the ageing population, distal radius fractures are equally important for frequency, clinical and social consequences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of sarcopenia in distal radius fractures and clinical implications in functional recovery.

Materials and methods

Scopus and PubMed search was performed to find relationship between sarcopenia and distal radius fractures. Literature search was performed between 2009 and 2019 including clinical trials and clinical studies related to “sarcopenia and distal radius fracture” and “sarcopenia and wrist fracture”. After identification, studies were screened and analysed through the Oxford Level of Evidence.

Results

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, five articles were included. Four articles analysed the incidence of sarcopenia and its role as a risk factor in patients with distal radial fractures, while one article focused on sarcopenia and clinical results of surgical treatment of distal radius fractures.

Incidence of sarcopenia in patients older than 50 years with distal radius fracture varied between 29.7% and 31.7%. Patients with distal radial fractures did not show a significant inferior muscle mass than control group in examined population. Functional results of surgery were significantly inferior in sarcopenic patients than control group (no sarcopenia).

Conclusions

About 30% of patients older than 50 years with distal radius fracture suffered by sarcopenia; sarcopenic patients surgically treated had worse clinical results than no sarcopenic patients. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

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Funding

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Author notes

  1. Federico Fusini

    Present address: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Regina Montis Regalis Hospital, ASL CN1, Via S. Rocchetto99, 12084, Mondovì, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hand Upper Limb Surgery Unit, Orthopaedic and Trauma Center, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, via Zuretti 29, 10126, Turin, Italy

    Stefano Artiaco, Federico Fusini, Giulia Colzani & Bruno Battiston

  2. Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, S. Maria Della Pietà Hospital, Nola, Naples, Italy

    Gioacchino Pennacchio

  3. Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Pasquale Bianchi

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  1. Stefano Artiaco
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  2. Federico Fusini
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  3. Gioacchino Pennacchio
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  4. Giulia Colzani
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  5. Bruno Battiston
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  6. Pasquale Bianchi
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Correspondence to Federico Fusini.

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Artiaco, S., Fusini, F., Pennacchio, G. et al. Sarcopenia in distal radius fractures: systematic review of the literature and current findings. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 30, 1251–1255 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-020-02697-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-020-02697-0

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