Frequency of Sarcopenia in Elderly Patients with Distal Radius Fracture

Asad Bilal Mir; Asim Niaz Naqvi; Rehan Saleem; Adnan Anwar; Mudassar Liaquat; Usman Shah Bukhari

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v76iSUPPL-8.14605

Authors

Asad Bilal Mir Department of Orthopedics, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Asim Niaz Naqvi Department of Orthopedics, Eastridge Hospital Rawalpindi Pakistan
Rehan Saleem Department of Orthopedics, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Adnan Anwar Department of Orthopedics, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Mudassar Liaquat Department of Orthopedics, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
Usman Shah Bukhari Department of Orthopedics, Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v76iSUPPL-8.14605

Keywords:

Distal radius fracture; Aging; Fall on outstretched hand; Fragility fracture; Sarcopenia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of sarcopenia among elderly patients presenting with distal radius fracture.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sep 2025 to Feb 2026.

Methodology: A total of 266 patients aged ≥60 years with radiologically confirmed distal radius fractures were included irrespective of mechanism of injury. The severity of sarcopenia was determined as the thigh muscle girth measured in the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the femurs using DICOM software.

Results: The total number of patients included in this study was 266. The mean age of the patients was 68.4±6.7 years. Sarcopenia was identified in 104(39.1%) patients. FOOSH was the mechanism of injury in 181(68.0%) cases. Fall On an Outstretched Hand (FOOSH) was significantly more frequent among sarcopenic patients compared to non-sarcopenic patients (84.6% vs. 57.4%; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Sarcopenia is significantly associated with FOOSH-related distal radius fractures in elderly patients. Early screening and targeted preventive strategies may help reduce fall related fracture risk.

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