Functional Outcomes in Distal Radius Fractures
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Thusoo Varun, Chakrapani Arjun S, Nehru Ashish, Kudyar Sachin, Nagpal Brahmpreet, KV Alok, S Ebin, Jose Akhil
Primary Institution: Department of Orthopedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu
Hypothesis
Does surgical management lead to better functional outcomes compared to conservative management in patients with closed-type intra-articular distal end of radius fractures?
Conclusion
Surgery for distal radius fractures promotes faster healing, lesser pain, and better functional outcomes compared to conservative treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Surgical management had significantly lesser time of union (12 vs. 20 weeks, P<0.0001).
- Surgical management resulted in more excellent results (44% vs. 30%, P=0.003).
- Surgical management had significantly more volar tilt (9.6±2.5° vs. 8±5°, P=0.035).
- Surgical management had lesser grip strength <50% (26% vs. 65%, P<0.0001).
Takeaway
This study shows that surgery helps people heal faster and feel less pain after a wrist fracture than just using a cast.
Methodology
A prospective observational study comparing conservative and surgical management in 150 patients with closed-type intra-articular distal end of radius fractures.
Limitations
The study was single-centered, and cost-effectiveness of both managements was not evaluated.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 42.32 years, with 66.67% male patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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