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Masterful Care of the Aging Athlete pp 135–142Cite as

The Management of Distal Radius Fractures in the Aging Athlete

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Abstract

The optimal management of unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly is controversial. There is a paucity of guidance from previous studies in seniors and even less in the aging athlete. Outcome measures have been equivocal when comparing cast and internal fixation for all seniors. However, the physiology and functional requirements of the aging athlete may be more similar to the middle-aged population. Data available in the younger population suggests that near anatomic reduction with plate fixation may improve short-term recovery, grip strength, and return to activities. This chapter will explore the factors that treating doctors need to consider when faced with a distal radius fracture in the aging population and specifically in aging athletes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Brent Schultz MD & Robert J. Goitz MD

Authors
  1. Brent Schultz MD
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  2. Robert J. Goitz MD
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Correspondence to Robert J. Goitz MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. UPMC Center for Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Vonda J. Wright

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    Kellie K. Middleton

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Schultz, B., Goitz, R.J. (2018). The Management of Distal Radius Fractures in the Aging Athlete. In: Wright, V., Middleton, K. (eds) Masterful Care of the Aging Athlete. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16223-2_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16223-2_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-16222-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-16223-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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