Table 1 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria of a randomized controlled study comparing non-operative treatment with volar locking plate in patients > 70 years of age

Inclusion criteria

Patient age ≥ 75 years (≥70 years after September 2015 at SH)

Fracture diagnosed no more than 3 days from injury at SH or 6 days at DH

Resident of the catchment area of either study site

Wrist radiograph of ≥20°dorsal tilt from plane perpendicular to the length axis of the radius (or ≥ 4 mm ulnar variance at DH)

Exclusion criteria

Associated ulna fracture

Intraarticular displacement exceeding 1 mm step-off or 1 mm gap (SH)

Injury to the ipsilateral upper extremity

High energy trauma (SH)

Former disability at either wrist

Rheumatoid arthritis or severe joint disorders

Dementia or Pfeffer score < 5 at SH or < 8 at DH

Substance abuse or psychiatric disorder

Dependency in activities of daily living

Not fit for surgery or American Society of Anesthesiology class ≥4