Modifiable Factors Associated With Chronic Pain 1 Year After Operative Management of Distal Radius Fractures

Key Points Question What are modifiable preoperative factors associated with developing chronic pain after distal radius fracture surgery? Findings In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial with 146 participants, each 10-point increase in preoperative pain score was associated with 17% increased odds of chronic pain, and a 1-week delay in surgical intervention was associated with more than triple the odds of experiencing chronic pain. Internal fixation was associated with decreased risk of chronic pain compared with external fixation or pinning. Meaning In this study, earlier time to surgery, adequate preoperative pain control, and internal fixation were associated with lower risk of chronic pain development among patients with distal radius fracture who were treated surgically.