Fractures of the distal radius are common in the elderly population. Elderly patients have been considered to be functionally low-demand, but as the population becomes more active, expectations of outcomes may be increasing. The aim of this review was to determine whether there is any correlation between radiographic and functional outcome for elderly patients following fracture of the distal radius.

Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and AMED were searched for studies including elderly patients managed conservatively or surgically following distal radius fracture, either alone or in combination with younger patients.

Eleven studies were selected for review. A wide variety of outcome measures and radiological parameters were found to be used. Of the 11 studies, 6 found no correlation between functional outcome and radiological outcome.

The literature reviewed suggests functional outcome for elderly patients following distal radius fracture is not dependant on radiological outcome. This may give therapists better insight into potential outcomes for their patients, however further studies may be required to determine the most effective therapeutic management of these patients.