Aspartate Aminotransferase–to–Platelet Ratio Index Suggestive of Liver Dysfunction Predicts Early Complications After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose: Aspartate aminotransferase–to–platelet ratio index (APRI) is a cost-effective and noninvasive measure of liver function, an alternative to the gold standard liver biopsy, which is resource-intensive and invasive. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative APRI and 30-day postoperative complications after isolated open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures (DRFs). Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent isolated ORIF of DRFs between 2015 and 2021. The study population was divided into two groups on the basis of preoperative APRI: normal/reference (APRI, <0.5) and liver dysfunction (APRI, ≥0.5). Information on patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications after isolated ORIF of DRFs was collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between preoperative APRI and postoperative complications. Results: Compared to patients with normal APRI, patients with preoperative APRI associated with liver dysfunction were significant for male sex (P <.001), younger age (P <.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification grade ≥3 (P <.001), being smokers (P <.001), and having comorbid diabetes (P =.002) and bleeding disorders (P <.001). Preoperative APRI associated with liver dysfunction was independently associated with a greater likelihood of any complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.87; P <.001), nonhome discharge (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.15–2.27; P =.005), and a length of stay of >2 days (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.32–2.20; P <.001). Conclusions: Aspartate aminotransferase–to–platelet ratio index values associated with liver dysfunction were associated with an increased rate of early postoperative complications after DRF ORIF. Clinical relevance: This study suggests APRI's utility as a cost-effective, noninvasive measure of liver function that physicians can use before surgery to better identify surgical candidates with DRFs and suspicion of liver dysfunction. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic III.