Clinical Outcome after Emergency Physicians Reduced Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the reduction successfully of distal end radius by emergency physicians. This study was a retrospective and descriptive study from medical record reviews. We included adults older than 18 years presenting to Pra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya hospital from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, with distal end radius fractures. The primary endpoint was the proportion of successful closed distal end radius fracture reductions in the emergency department, as defined by orthopedic follow-up. The secondary outcomes were to access complications after ED reduction. A total of 40 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 60 years; males comprised 17.5%. A total of 90% had accepted alignment at their first clinic visits, and the overall manipulation rate was 10%. Unscheduled return ED or OPD visits occurred in 17.5%. These involved pain and splint being too tight. Complications after ED reduction were 27.5%. Details of the complications were splint-related problems due to pain 20%, and numbness were 7.5%. None of these return visits were for compartment syndrome or neurovascular compromise. We suggest that emergency physicians provide restorative care for distal end radius fractures (Fernandez classification 1) using the closed reduction technique in the emergency room.