Radius Fracture Distal
Conditions
Keywords
distal radius fracture, volar plate, immobilization
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to determine wether postoperative immobilization is effective in controlling the pain of patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate fixation. The study hypotheses is that postoperative immobilization does not enhance the analgesia of these patients.
Detailed description
Volar locking plate fixation has been used as the gold standard treatment for intra-articular distal radius fractures. The need for postoperative immobilization after this type of fixation is controversial, with some authors advocating its use for analgesia. Conversely, the use of immobilization might retard the recovery of wrist range of motion and function. The objective of this study is to compare the level of pain and function of patients undergoing surgical fixation of distal radius fractures using or not postoperative immobilization. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive a plaster splint or conventional dressing immediately after the surgery. The main outcome is the level of pain in the first two weeks postoperatively.
Interventions
PROCEDURENo immobilization
Conventional wrist dressing
PROCEDUREVolar splint
Volar plaster splint
Sponsors
University of Sao Paulo
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Intra-articular distal radius fracture treated with volar locking plate fixation; * Fracture occurred within the prior 30 days; * Consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Concomitant fracture of the ipsilateral upper limb * Previous lesion of the ipsilateral upper limb with functional deficit * Bilateral fracture * Concomitant neurologic injury * Patient not amenable to follow-up
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level of pain | 12 hours | Visual analogue scale for pain |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Level of pain | 6 weeks | Visual analogue scale for pain |
| Wrist flexion-extension arc | 2 weeks | Assessed by goniometry |
| DASH score | 6 weeks | Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) |
| Tramadol use | Once a day in the first week post-op | Percentage of patients requesting additional analgesia with tramadol in the first week |
| Complication | up to 24 weeks | Percentage of patients presenting with any type of local orthopedic complication |
| Forearm rotation arc | 2 weeks | Assessed by goniometry |
Countries
Brazil
Outcome results
None listed