An analysis of functional outcome following conservative versus surgical management in fractures of the distal radius

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">Distal radial fractures are one of the most common injuries seen in the orthopaedic department, which can be managed both conservatively and surgically. There are advantages and disadvantages in each method of management. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius with conservative and surgical management</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">80 cases of intra articular fractures of the distal radius managed by both conservative and surgical means were studied between January 2011 to January 2013 and were followed up for a minimum period of two years</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">In our series of 80 patients, there 53 males and 27 females. Most of the patients were between 20-30 years of age with the mean age being 40.35 years. RTA was the most common mode of injury (45%). Frykman’s type 3 (41.7%) was the most common fracture type seen followed by type 8. All fractures united by the end of 6 months. Excellent results were seen in 47.5% of cases in the surgical group and 30% of cases in the conservative group</span><span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">From this study, we conclude that surgical management is better than conservative in the treatment of intra articular fractures of the distal end of radius. Therefore, one treatment method of treatment cannot be generalized for all types of fractures and treatment should be individualized to a particular fracture in terms of age, fracture pattern, degree of displacement and amount of communition present</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"> </p>

Functional outcome of distal radius fractures in adults after conservative treatment.

“…10 In a study by Subash Y, et al has shown in another study that frequency of excellent functional outcome was 30%, good 15%, fair 35% and poor was 20% after conservative treatment of distal radius fractures. 11 Koenig and colleagues conducted a comparative investigation assessing both conservative and surgical management approaches. Their study yielded the conclusion that open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plates not only results in a higher rate of union but also leads to a superior functional outcome when contrasted with the use of casting in the treatment of these fractures.…”

“…Sample size was calculated with WHO sample size calculator, using 95% confidence interval, 6% margin of error and expected prevalence of good functional outcome by 15% after conservative treatment of distal radius fractures. 11 Data was collected using Nonprobability consecutive sampling technique after ethical approval (Ref.78/OrthoB/HMC). Patient of both gender with age between 18 to 70 years with distal radius fracture of less than 48 hours duration was included in our study.…”

“…10 In another study conducted by Subash Y. et al, the findings revealed that, following conservative treatment for distal radius fractures, the frequency of excellent functional outcomes was 30%, with 15% achieving a good outcome, 35% attaining a fair outcome, and 20% experiencing a poor functional outcome. 11 No single treatment is the solution for each type of fracture in every patient. Based on the functional anatomy in different populations, we planned to get data in our local population by determining the frequency of functional outcome after conservative treatment in patients with distal radius fractures presenting to Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.The objective of our study was to determine the functional outcome in distal radius fractures after conservative management.…”