The outcome of conservative treatment of adult distal radius fractures compared with the other wrist: Radiological and functional evaluation

Background: This study was designed to evaluate anatomical and functional results of closed reduction-long arm cast treatment for distal radius fractures and compared other healty wrist in the adults. Methods: 77 patients (44 female, 33 male, mean age: 49.69 years)were treated conservatively in our clinic between January 2010 and December 2010.The fractures were classified according to AO and Frykman classification system and investigated prospectively. At last visit, anatomical and functional results were assessed using the Stewart I-II criteria and Q-DASH (Quick-Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire, respectively. The mean follow-up of patients was 8 months. Results: İn our study,40(%51.9) patients(16 male,24 female)had right wrist fracture,37(%48.1) patients had left wrist fracture. The causes of the fractures were 18 patients fall in house,32 patients fall in out of house,5 patients sports injury,8 patients car accident,12 patients falling down from height,2 patients direct trauma. According to Frykman classification 46 patients were type I-II fracture, according to AO classification 59 patients were type 23.A2.1- 23.A2.2 fracture. According to Stewart anatomical criteria, the result were excellent in 57(%74.0),good in 17(%22.1),fair in 3(%3.9). No poor result. According to Stewart II functional criteria, the result were excellent in 57(%74.0), good in 8(%10.4),fair in 12(%15.6). No poor result. The mean DASH score was 6.37.The overall complication rate was %12.98(10/77). Carpal tunnel syndrome was observed in 2(%2.59) patients, ulna styloid nonunion in 4(%5.19)patients, tenderness of distal radioulnar joint in 1(%1.3) patient and Carpal tunnel syndrome and, tenderness of distal radioulnar joint in3(%3.89) patients. Conclusions: Closed reduction and cast immobilization is an effective and in expensive treatment method in distal radial fractures. We prefer this method for old and inactive patients and for the patients that have risk for surgery. KEY WORDS, adult, radius distal, closed reduction, cast, prospective