The goal of this study is to determine if applying a rigid splint helps to reduce pain following operative fixation of upper extremity fractures. Orthopedic trauma surgeons currently vary in their application of rigid post-operative splints versus soft dressings after certain surgical procedures based on personal preference. In this study, 100 patients undergoing operative fixation of isolated both bone forearm, radial head, olecranon, distal humerus, or humeral shaft fractures will either receive a splint or soft dressing post-operatively. Their pain, medication usage and function will be tracked over the 2- week postoperative period to see if splinting has any impact on outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willing and able to participate in study and complete consent
• Will undergo operative fixation of an isolated both bone forearm, radial head, olecranon, distal humerus fracture, or humeral shaft fracture.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Patients with concomitant TBI or MR
• Polytrauma patients
• Pathologic Fractures
• Patients undergoing treatment for malignancy
• NYU SoM Students, Residents, Faculty
• Prisoners
• IV drug users or patients on chronic narcotics
• Gun shot wound victims

Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in this article, after deidentification (text, tables, figures, and appendices).

Beginning 9 months and ending 36 months following article publication or as required by a condition of awards and agreements supporting the research.

Requests should be directed to Philipp.Leucht@nyulangone.org To gain access, data requestors will need to sign a data access agreement.