Radiological outcome of distal radius fractures undergoing closed reduction and cast splint.

Abstract

Fractures of the distal radius are the most common fractures. Much has been written about this topic, but still many questions remain, including major controversies regarding outcome and optimal treatment. Closed reduction and plaster cast is the most common treatment for fractures of the distal radius. If an unacceptable re-displacement occurs, re-reduction and surgical fixation may be necessary.
Objective: To determine the radiological outcome of distal radius fractures undergoing closed reduction and cast splint.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive Cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of orthopaedics, Hayatabad medical complex, Peshawar from Nov 2013 to Nov 2014 , a total of 105 patients presenting with distal radius fractures were included in the study through a consecutive sampling technique and were subjected to closed reduction & cast splinting and radiological outcome were recorded.
Results: The mean age was 31.62 ± 7.62 years of which 66.7% were male and 33.3% were females. After closed reduction & cast splinting, radial shortening was observed in 20% of cases, dorsal angulations was observed in 13.3% and radial angulations was observed in 6.7% of cases.
Conclusion: Worse radiological outcomes are not uncommon after closed reduction & cast splinting. More research is required to generate recommendations for the therapy to reduce the burden of these worse radiological outcomes.