Comparative Study of Effects Of Zoledronic Acid On The Radiological And Clinical Outcomes Of Distal Radius Fractures In Elderly Women.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent upper extremity fractures among women over 50 are distal radius fractures. Compared to males, women are more vulnerable to these kinds of fractures. Osteoporosis in older women is a contributing factor to the increasing fragility of the bone. It has been demonstrated that pharmaceutical therapy for osteoporosis increases bone mineral density and may reduce the risk of fractures by 50% in the future. The most often given antiresorptive drugs for osteoporosis are bisphosphonates. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the clinical and radiological result of older women who have distal radius fractures and are given Zoledronic acid injection post-injury before surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Women treated for distal radius fractures who were 50 years of age or older were included in the prospective comparative research that is being planned. A single dosage of zoledronic acid will be administered to one group of patients, while the other group will get no injections following damage and will undergo surgery. At six, nine, and twelve weeks from the date of injury, patients will be evaluated for radiological and functional outcome. The Patient Related Wrist Evaluation score will be used for clinical result and the RUSS grading system for radiological outcome on each appointment. Over a 12-week period, the patient will be monitored.

RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with distal radius fractures treated surgically ,supplemented with zoledronic acid was studied. We found similar RUSS scores at 6, 9 and 12 weeks after injury irrespective of zoledronic acid therapy . Functional outcomes including Patient Related Wrist Evaluation score ,wrist ROM, grip and pinch strength were similar at each point of time .The results suggests that zoledronic acid can be safely given at time injury without decrimental effects on healing or function. The was no complication associated with wound healing or refracture. . Further studies are needed to determine the effects of zoledronic acid therapy on fracture healing.

CONCLUSION: The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of zoledronic acid on distal radius fracture in elderly women and the following conclusions were drawn.Most of the fractures in the older individuals with mean age group of 59.8 years.Mode of injury in most of the patients were due to fall on outstretched hand and few of them where due to RTA. Zoledronic acid injection can be safely given in patient with acute distal radius fracture.No significant benefit observed in group which received zoledronic acid .Radiological and clinical outcome was similar in both groups.