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

Objective To evaluate radiographically the results of closed reduction and cast splintage for the treatment of distal radius. Patients and Methods This descriptive study was performed in Department of Orthopedics Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. One hundreds consecutive patients with age above 40 years, having distal radius fracture were included in the study. After close reduction, radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and intraarticular step-off were evaluated on posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiographs. Results Out of 100 patients, there were 55 female and 45 male. Age ranged from 40 to 80 years (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 did not improve 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.