Which factor is identified as a poor prognostic indicator after distal radius fracture?

Which factor is identified as a poor prognostic indicator after distal radius fracture?

• A. Age over 65
• B. High socioeconomic status
• C. Male gender
• D. Short duration of symptoms

Answer: (A)

Advanced age is a major determinant of poor outcomes after distal radius fracture. As people age, bone quality often declines (osteoporosis), making fractures more fragile and fixation less stable. Healing can be slower, and older individuals frequently have comorbidities that limit rehabilitation, increasing the risk of stiffness, malunion, and eventual post-traumatic arthritis. Functional recovery also depends on pre-injury strength and activity levels, which tend to be reduced in the elderly, leading to worse perceived and actual outcomes even with good initial reduction. The other factors don’t consistently predict poorer prognosis: socioeconomic status doesn’t directly affect bone healing or rehabilitation capacity; male gender is generally associated with higher bone density and doesn’t carry the same risk; and a shorter duration of symptoms usually indicates earlier care and is not a marker of worse prognosis.

Advanced age is a major determinant of poor outcomes after distal radius fracture. As people age, bone quality often declines (osteoporosis), making fractures more fragile and fixation less stable. Healing can be slower, and older individuals frequently have comorbidities that limit rehabilitation, increasing the risk of stiffness, malunion, and eventual post-traumatic arthritis. Functional recovery also depends on pre-injury strength and activity levels, which tend to be reduced in the elderly, leading to worse perceived and actual outcomes even with good initial reduction.

The other factors don’t consistently predict poorer prognosis: socioeconomic status doesn’t directly affect bone healing or rehabilitation capacity; male gender is generally associated with higher bone density and doesn’t carry the same risk; and a shorter duration of symptoms usually indicates earlier care and is not a marker of worse prognosis.