To Örebro University

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common fractures, yet many patients experience suboptimal recovery. Radiological parameters and patient factors guide treatment decisions, and surgical treatment is aimed at restoring the anatomy. However, the radiological result correlates poorly with the outcome, and so other factors impactingt he outcome must be considered. The present thesis addresses this matter by investigating the outcome and factors potentially influencing the outcome, such as socioeconomic factors, decreased finger motion, and surgical technique. Using data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) and prospectively collected data, four studies were conducted:

• Study I: Analysed the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of intraarticular DRFs in the SFR.

• Study II: Examined decreased finger motion in relation to outcomes in 140 patients.

• Study III: Investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on DRF recovery.

• Study IV: Assessed the risk of median neuropathy associated with the volar central approach in a cohort of 38 patients.

Key findings included the following: a considerable proportion of patients with intraarticular fractures experience disability 1 year after the fracture. Country of birth significantly affects DRF recovery, with non-European patients having higher risk of reported poor outcomes. Patients with decreased finger motion at 4 weeks post-surgery report worse outcomes up to 1 year after the surgery, suggesting its potential as a prognostic tool. The volar central approach carries a considerable risk of median neuropathy, and should be used only when optimal visualization of the distal radius is needed.