Short Versus Conventional Plaster Cast Fixation Time in Reduced Distal Radius Fractures

A Comparison of Radiographic and Clinical Results After Short Versus Conventional Plaster Cast Fixation Time in Reduced Distal Radius Fractures

The purpose of this study is to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes after short versus conventional plaster cast fixation time in reduced distal radius fractures.

Displaced distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and plaster cast fixation are radiographed 10 days (range 8-13 days) after reduction and randomized to one of two study arms; immediate removal of plaster cast or continued fixation in plaster cast for another 3 weeks. Radiographic and Clinical outcome measurements at 1, 4 and 12 months

Inclusion Criteria:

• Distal radius fracture with intact ulna (except for processus styloideus ulnae)
• Dorsal angulation 5-40 degrees
• Axial compression < 4 mm
• Intra articular step-off < 1 mm
• Low energy trauma
• Closed fracture
• Suitable for treatment with closed reduction and plaster cast fixation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fracture older than 3 Days
• Previously fractured ipsi- or contralateral wrist
• Dementia
• Inflammatory joint disorder