In the July 20, 2016 issue of The Journal, Louer et al. detail the association between distal radial fractures and poor balance. We have long understood that inherently poor balance was a major contributor to fall risk, and now we have more hard evidence thanks to this research team.
In this case-control evaluation comparing 23 patients ≥65 years of age who had sustained a low-energy distal radial fracture with 23 age- and sex-matched control patients, the authors found that those in the fracture cohort:
- Demonstrated poorer balance based on dynamic motion analysis (DMA) scores
- Were able to perform the balance test for significantly less time
- Rated themselves as having worse mobility
Among both cohorts, only 3 patients had completed an evaluation of or treatment for balance deficiencies.
