To Örebro University

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common orthopedic injuries requiring surgical intervention. Understanding whether single- or dual-surgeon setting correlates to operation time, radiological results, or complication rates is essential for optimizing resource allocation and training strategies in clinical settings.

METHODS: All DRFs treated operatively with volar plate fixation in 2023 were included in the study. Data were collected on the number of surgeons involved in each procedure and their respective levels of experience. These variables were analyzed in relation to operative time, radiological outcomes, postoperative complications, and AO classification.

RESULTS: The study cohort included 163 operatively-treated DRFs with a mean follow-up of 15 months (range: 9-20). The most common fracture types were AO types A (n = 80, 49%) and C (n = 80, 49%). Of all procedures, 45% (n = 73) were performed by a single surgeon, while 55% (n = 90) involved two surgeons. Operative time was significantly shorter when surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Radiological outcomes and complication rates did not differ significantly based on the number of surgeons involved, irrespective of their experience level. When less experienced surgeons were excluded and only more complex fractures were analyzed, the trend toward shorter operative time with a single surgeon persisted, though the difference did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of two surgeons does not necessarily correlate to operative time in the treatment of DRFs. Furthermore, radiological outcomes and complication rates appear unaffected by the number of surgeons. These findings may support more efficient allocation of surgical resources in hospital settings. The impact and importance of teaching and training in this context warrants further investigation.