AAOS Fracture and Trauma Registry Module Highlight: Distal Radius Fracture

Published in August 2021

The AAOS Fracture & Trauma Registry (FTR) is the newest and fifth in a series of anatomical, quality improvement registries that comprise the AAOS Registry Program. There are five clinical modules for FTR, which include: Ankle Fracture, Distal Femur Fracture, Distal Radius Fracture, Hip Fracture, and Proximal Humerus Fracture.

Why a Distal Radius Fracture Module?

Distal radius fractures are very common among the general population. It is estimated that these types of fractures account for roughly 18% of all fractures among older adults.¹ Historically, distal radius fractures have also been seen as a mechanism for identifying underlying osteoporosis² and a potential gateway for secondary fracture prevention. As the elderly population continues to increase in the United States, these fractures are becoming increasing more prevalent.¹ The AAOS Registry Program identified this patient population as a high priority area of focus.

“While we know that distal radius fractures are fairly common, there are many types of such fractures, including Colles, Smith, and Barton fractures,” said Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FTR Steering Committee Member. “Better understanding unique approaches to each specific clinical profile can help us optimize care and recovery for our patients. With the AAOS Registry Program we can go even further to understand how other demographic and clinical characteristics shape patient outcomes and expand our approach to better serve this patient population.”

To learn more about the AAOS FTR, click here. Right now, the FTR is only open to select sites. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please email RegistryInfo@aaos.org.

1. Nellans KW, Kowalski E, Chung KC. The epidemiology of distal radius fractures. Hand Clin. 2012;28(2):113-125. doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2012.02.001
2. Mallmin H, Ljunghall S. Distal radius fracture is an early sign of general osteoporosis: bone mass measurements in a population-based study. Osteoporos Int. 1994 Nov;4(6):357-61. doi: 10.1007/BF01622198. PMID: 7696833.