Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper extremity fractures with more than 600 000 cases per year in the United States and account for up to 18% of fractures in the geriatric population. The purpose of our study was to identify the influence of age on 30-day postoperative outcomes while adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities. Methods: The National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients having undergone open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of DRFs. Current Procedural Terminology codes 25607, 25608, and 25609 between the years 2007 and 2016 were collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, 18 to 64 years; and group 2, 65 years and older. Patient demographics; preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables; and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results: In all, 5894 patients were identified; group 1 consisted of 4056 patients aged <64 years, and group 2 consisted of 1838 patients aged 65 years and older. The total complication rate was 2.7% for all patients, 2.2% for group 1, and 3.4% for group 2. The most common complications included surgical site infection for group 1 and urinary tract infection for group 2. Univariate analysis demonstrated association between age ≥65 years and complication (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.14; P = .009). However, after controlling for statistically significant factors, age was not an independent predictor of complications (P = .685). Admission status, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, operative time, renal failure, and bleeding disorders were independent predictors of 30-day complications across all patients. Conclusion: Our data suggest that patients aged 65 years and older without high-risk comorbidities should be offered ORIF of DRFs as their complication risk remains low.
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