Axenhus Michael, Schmidt Viktor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Department of Clinical Sciences at Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
PLoS One. 2025 Jun 25;20(6):e0324367. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324367. eCollection 2025.
Hand and wrist fractures are common orthopaedic injuries, with varied postoperative management strategies. Cast immobilization, traditionally used to ensure fracture stability, is increasingly debated in favour of early mobilization. However, significant regional differences persist. The aim of this study is to analyse regional, age, and sex differences in post-operative cast immobilization rates for hand and wrist fractures in Sweden between 2008 and 2023.
This observational, population-based study utilized data from the Swedish National Patient Register, analysing post-operative cast immobilization rates among individuals aged 15 and older. Trends and disparities were examined over time by region, gender, and age group.
The study found a significant increase in cast immobilization rates across Sweden, with notable differences based on sex and region. By 2023, immobilization rates for men had increased from 46% to 86%, while rates for women increased from 34% to 69%.
The findings indicate a nationwide trend towards increased immobilization rates, highlighting gender- and region-based disparities. These differences underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines to ensure equitable and effective patient care across Sweden.
手部和腕部骨折是常见的骨科损伤，术后管理策略各不相同。传统上用于确保骨折稳定性的石膏固定，越来越多地受到质疑，人们更倾向于早期活动。然而，显著的地区差异仍然存在。本研究的目的是分析2008年至2023年瑞典手部和腕部骨折术后石膏固定率的地区、年龄和性别差异。
这项基于人群的观察性研究利用了瑞典国家患者登记处的数据，分析了15岁及以上个体的术后石膏固定率。按地区、性别和年龄组对随时间的趋势和差异进行了研究。
研究发现瑞典各地的石膏固定率显著上升，在性别和地区方面存在显著差异。到2023年，男性的固定率从46%上升到86%，而女性的固定率从34%上升到69%。
研究结果表明全国范围内固定率呈上升趋势，突出了基于性别和地区的差异。这些差异强调了需要标准化的、基于证据的指南，以确保瑞典各地患者得到公平有效的治疗。
