Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity fracture, representing one-sixth of all fractures treated in emergency
departments nationwide. Beyond the initial reduction and immobilization of these fractures, providing proper followup to ensure
maintenance of the reduction and identify complications is necessary for optimal recovery of forearm and wrist functions.
We sought to identify the clinical and demographic factors that characterize patients with distal radius fractures who do
not return for followup and to assess the underlying causes for their poor followup rates. Compared with patients who were
compliant with followup, those lost to followup had lower Physical and Mental Health scores on the SF-36 forms, more often
were treated nonoperatively, and more likely had not surpassed secondary education. However, we found no difference between
these two groups based on age, gender, mechanism of injury, marital status, or hand dominance. Early identification of patients
who potentially are noncompliant can result in additional measures being taken to ensure the patient’s return to the treating
hospital and physicians. This in turn will prevent complications attributable to lack of followup and allow more accurate
assessment of results, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest,
patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study
was obtained.