Anatomical and functional outcome in nonoperative management of patients with fractures of the distal radial bone

Abstract

Tracking of anatomical and functional results obtained after non-surgical treatment of the distal radius included 115 patients in total, of whom 51 cases were available to be analysed and processed within this work. Tracking of the results was based upon Anatomical Score System and Gartland-Werley Score System. The final numerical results obtained through Anatomical Score were the following:excellent in 12 cases (23.52%), good in 30 cases (58.82%), satisfactory in 8 cases (15.68%), dissatisfactory in 1 case (1.96%). According to the Gartland-Werley Score System, the final results included: excellent in 19 cases (37.25%), good in 24 cases (47.00%), satisfactory in 7 cases (13.72%), dissatisfactory in 1 case (1.96%). This work also presents correlation between Residual Deformity score, Subjective Hardship score and Objective dysfunction, with the results obtained by Anatomical score and Gartland-Werley total score. The possibility of dissatisfactory results obtained by radiological screening followed by dissatisfactory outcome is described in literature; however, dissatisfactory screening results could be found in up to 31.7% of cases with satisfactory clinical findings. Our work records 15.7% of the latter cases. We might say that non-surgical treatment is not to be accepted as the only and exclusive approach to distal radius fracture. Thus, proper evaluation is mandatory.