European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Fractures of the distal radius are one of the most common injuries seen in our day-to-day practice. It accounts for almost 4% of the injuries seen in the emergency department. Despite its high incidence and the substantial possible implications of suboptimal management, no high-level evidence regarding the best treatment method yet exists.
Aim: Aim of the study is to compare the functional outcomes of extra articular distal radius displaced fractures managed surgically with those managed conservatively.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study conducted between November 2020 to December 2021, 18 to 65 years old patients with displaced extraarticular distal radial fracture were treated surgically or conservatively. Modified Mayo Wrist Score were calculated after a follow up of 12 months.
Results: At the end of 12 months the patients were evaluated, and it was noticed that patients who were treated surgically had significantly better functional and clinical outcomes, as indicated by significantly higher Mayo scores than patients treated conservatively by casting (all p values < 0.05).
Conclusions: Patients treated with volar plate fixation were able to resume activities of daily living few weeks earlier compared to those managed with K-wire fixation and conservative group. Therefore, we can conclude that volar plate fixation gives significantly better clinical and functional results than other methods of treatment.