Significant Change in the Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Nationwide Study Between 1998 and 2008 in Finland

Abstract

A striking shift from external fixation to plating in the treatment of distal radius fractures has occurred in Finland over the past few years, despite the fact that the scientific literature does not support plating over external fixation. In addition, the incidence and number of surgeries for distal radius fractures doubled between 1998 and 2008. The reasons for these changes are not known.