Radiographic evaluation of closed reduction and cast splintage of distal radius fracture

Muhammad Inam, Abdul Satar, Ayub Nawaz, Muhammad Arif

Abstract
Background: Distal radius fracture is day to day occurrence in daily life of old age people. This fracture is also called fragility fracture and most common occur in osteoporotic bones. The objective of this study is to evaluate radiographically the results of closed reduction and cast splintage for the treatment of distal radius.
Material and method: This descriptive study was performed in Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Hundreds consecutive patients of either sex with age above 40 years, having distal radius fracture were included in the study. After close reduction radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and intra-articular step-off were evaluated on posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs.
Results: Out of 100 there were 55 female and 45 male patients. Minimum age was 40 years and maximum age was 80 years with average 54 years. Acceptable post reduction radial inclination was noted in 75(75%) patients, radial length in 83(83%), volar tilt in 87(87%) and intra articular step was noted in 11/13(84.6%) patients. Two patients with intra articular step were not improved in second attempt of close reduction and no further reduction was tried as the involved side was not dominant hand.
Conclusion: A large majority of the distal radius fractures can achieve good results after treatment by closed reduction and cast immobilization, for which conservative treatment should be the first choice.

Key words: Colles Fracture, Radius, Closed Reduction, Radiograph.