Table I.

Study aims.

Primary aim To undertake a single-centre parallel group randomized controlled trial to compare surgical fixation to conservative management for displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly (aged ≥ 65 years) based on functional outcome assessed using the PRWE at 52 weeks

Secondary aims To measure function assessed using the PRWE at other timepoints (six, 12, and 26 weeks) To measure function assessed using QuickDASH at six, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. To investigate health-related quality-of-life using EQ-5D-3L at six, 12, 26, and 52 weeks To measure pain using VAS pain score at six, 12, 26, and 52 weeks To compare complication rates at 52 weeks To compare grip strength and range of motion at 12 weeks To compare radiological parameters, including union and malunion To investigate, using appropriate statistical and economic analysis methods, the healthcare resource use, and comparative cost-effectiveness at one year (52 weeks)

EQ-5D-3L, EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire; PRWE, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation; QuickDASH, abbreviated version of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire.