Non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients < 50 years of age : Three weeks of cast immobilisation versus one week of brace immobilisation: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures are treated by 3 to 5 weeks of cast immobilisation. Many patients with a distal radius fracture suffer from long-term functional restrictions, which might be related to stiffness due to cast immobilisation. Current literature indicates that 1 week of immobilisation might be safe; however, no level 1 evidence is available. This trial aims to compare 1 week of brace immobilisation with 3 weeks of cast immobilisation in patients with distal radius fractures that do not need reduction. METHODS: The aim of this trial is to evaluate the non-inferiority of 1 week of brace immobilisation in patients with non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures. A two-armed single blinded multicentre randomised clinical trial will be conducted in three hospitals. Adult patients, between 18 and 50 years old, independent for activities of daily living, with a non- or minimally displaced distal radius fracture can be included in this study. The intervention group is treated with 1 week of brace immobilisation, and the control group with 3 weeks of cast immobilisation. Primary outcome is the patient-reported outcome measured by the Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation score (PRWE) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcome measured by the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at 6 weeks and 6 months, PRWE at 6 weeks, range of motion, patient-reported pain score measured by VAS score, radiological outcome (dorsal/volar tilt, radial height, ulnar variance, presence of intra-articular step off), complications and cost-effectiveness measured by the EuroQol 5 Dimension questionnaire, Medical Consumption Questionnaire and Productivity Cost Questionnaire. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence on the optimal period of immobilisation in non-operatively treated displaced and reduced distal radius fractures. Both treatment options are accepted treatment protocols and both treatment options have a low risk of complications. Follow-up will be according to the current treatment protocol. This study will provide level 1 evidence on the optimal period and way of immobilisation for non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ABR 81638 | NL81638.029.22 | www.toetsingonline.nl . 18th of October 2023.

Analysis of factors influencing hospitalization cost of patients with distal radius fractures: an empirical study based on public traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in two cities, China.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) have become a public health problem for all countries, bringing a heavier economic burden of disease globally, with China's disease economic burden being even more acute due to the trend of an aging population. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of hospitalization cost of patients with DRFs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCMa) hospitals to provide a scientific basis for controlling hospitalization cost. METHODS: With 1306 cases of DRFs patients hospitalized in 15 public TCMa hospitals in two cities of Gansu Province in China from January 2017 to 2022 as the study object, the influencing factors of hospitalization cost were studied in depth gradually through univariate analysis, multiple linear regression, and path model. RESULTS: Hospitalization cost of patients with DRFs is mainly affected by the length of stay, surgery and operation, hospital levels, payment methods of medical insurance, use of TCMa preparations, complications and comorbidities, and clinical pathways. The length of stay is the most critical factor influencing the hospitalization cost, and the longer the length of stay, the higher the hospitalization cost. CONCLUSIONS: TCMa hospitals should actively take advantage of TCMb diagnostic modalities and therapeutic methods to ensure the efficacy of treatment and effectively reduce the length of stay at the same time, to lower hospitalization cost. It is also necessary to further deepen the reform of the medical insurance payment methods and strengthen the construction of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, to make the patients receive reasonable reimbursement for medical expenses, thus effectively alleviating the economic burden of the disease in the patients with DRFs.

Refraining from closed reduction of displaced distal radius fractures in the emergency department-in short: the RECORDED trial.

BACKGROUND: With roughly 45,000 adult patients each year, distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in the emergency department. Approximately 60% of all these fractures are displaced and require surgery. The current guidelines advise to perform closed reduction of these fractures awaiting surgery, as it may lead to post-reduction pain relief and release tension of the surrounding neurovascular structures. Recent studies have shown that successful reduction does not warrant conservative treatment, while patients find it painful or even traumatizing. The aim of this study is to determine whether closed reduction can be safely abandoned in these patients. METHODS: In this multicenter randomized clinical trial, we will randomize between closed reduction followed by plaster casting and only plaster casting. Patients aged 18 to 75 years, presenting at the emergency department with a displaced distal radial fracture and requiring surgery according to the attending surgeon, are eligible for inclusion. Primary outcome is pain assessed with daily VAS scores from the visit to the emergency department until surgery. Secondary outcomes are function assessed by PRWHE, length of stay at the emergency department, length of surgery, return to work, patient satisfaction, and complications. A total of 134 patients will be included in this study with follow-up of 1 year. DISCUSSION: If our study shows that patients who did not receive closed reduction experience no significant drawbacks, we might be able to reorganize the initial care for distal radial fractures in the emergency department. If surgery is warranted, the patient can be sent home with a plaster cast to await the call for admission, decreasing the time spend in the emergency room drastically. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered on January 27, 2023.

Fracturas del extremo distal del radio en el esqueleto inmaduro: estudio epidemiológico en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell / Fraturas da extremidade distal do rádio no esqueleto imaturo: estudo epidemiológico no Hospital Pereira Rossell / Fracture of the distal end of the radius in children: epidemiological study at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center

Objetivo principal: Conocer la epidemiologia de las fracturas del cuarto distal del radio en el esqueleto en crecimiento y el tratamiento realizado en el CHPR en los años 2017 y 2018. Objetivos específicos: Valorar re-desplazamiento, necesidad de re manipulación, complicaciones, re-fractura. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo. Criterios de inclusión: pacientes de 0 a 14 años con fractura de radio distal (fisaria, metafisaria y suprametafisaria) valorados en el CHPR entre 1 enero del 2017 y 31 diciembre del 2018. Criterios de exclusión: pacientes con radiografía normal, fracturas en miembros con malformaciones, infecciones óseas, patología tumoral maligna o benigna. Obtención de datos: Valoración de radiografías de puño y antebrazo realizadas en el CHPR en 2017 y 18, iniciales y evolutivas. Se analizaron: edad, sexo, fecha fractura, topografía de la fractura, desplazamiento inicial, tratamiento, evolución radiográfica y complicaciones. Resultados: se incluyeron 662 pacientes. Siendo en su mayoría de género masculino (65%), con una media de 9 años, miembro derecho (61%), en los meses de verano (36%). En cuanto a la topografía se evidenció una frecuencia mayor en fracturas tipo rodete y metafisarias (31.72% y 31.57%), seguido por suprametafisaria (18.43%) y fisaria (18.28%). El tratamiento realizado fue ortopédico en el 86.56% de los casos, mientras que quirúrgico fue el 12.84%, en su gran mayoría con alambres de Kirschner (11,2%). El tiempo de inmovilización promedio fue de 6 semanas, con un porcentaje de complicaciones del 14.05% del total de las fracturas. Conclusiones: Se valoraron las características de los pacientes y fracturas de radio distal en el CHPR en los años 2017 y 18, siendo un total de 662 fracturas, en las que su mayoría se realizó tratamiento ortopédico con un índice de complicaciones que ronda el 14%, siendo mayor cuanto mayor es el desplazamiento inicial de la fractura.

Objetivo principal: Conhecer a epidemiologia das fraturas do quarto distal do rádio no esqueleto em crescimento e o tratamento realizado no CHPR nos anos de 2017 e 2018. Objetivos específicos: Avaliar re-deslocamento, necessidade de remanipulação, complicações, refratura. Metodologia: Estudo observacional descritivo retrospectivo. Critérios de inclusão: pacientes de 0 a 14 anos com fratura do rádio distal (fisário, metafisário e suprametafisário) avaliados no CHPR entre 1º de janeiro de 2017 e 31 de dezembro de 2018. Critérios de exclusão: pacientes com radiografias normais, fraturas em membros com malformações, osso infecções, patologia tumoral maligna ou benigna. Coleta de dados: Avaliação das radiografias de punho e antebraço realizadas no CHPR em 2017 e 18, inicial e evolutiva. Foram analisados: idade, sexo, data da fratura, topografia da fratura, deslocamento inicial, tratamento, evolução radiográfica e complicações. Resultados: 662 pacientes foram incluídos. Sendo maioritariamente do sexo masculino (65%), com média de 9 anos, membro direito (61%), nos meses de verão (36%). Em relação à topografia, foi evidenciada maior frequência nas fraturas da borda e metafisárias (31,72% e 31,57%), seguidas das suprametafisárias (18.43%) e fisárias (18.28%). O tratamento realizado foi ortopédico em 86.56% dos casos, enquanto cirúrgico em 12.84%, sendo a maioria com fios de Kirschner (11,2%). O tempo médio de imobilização foi de 6 semanas, com percentual de complicações de 14.05%. Conclusões: Foram avaliadas as características dos pacientes e fraturas do rádio distal no CHPR nos anos de 2017 e 18, com um total de 662 fraturas (0,9 por dia), em que a maioria foi submetida a tratamento ortopédico com índice de complicações que fica em torno de 14%, sendo maior quanto maior for o deslocamento inicial da fratura.

Title: Fractures of the distal end of the radius in the immature skeleton. Epidemiological study at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center. Main objective: To know the epidemiology of fractures of the distal fourth of the radius in the growing skeleton and the treatment carried out in the CHPR in the years 2017 and 2018. Specific objectives: To assess re-displacement, need for re-manipulation, complications, re- fracture. Methodology: Retrospective descriptive observational study. Inclusion criteria: patients aged 0 to 14 years with distal radius fracture (physeal, metaphyseal and suprametaphyseal) evaluated at the CHPR between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. Exclusion criteria: patients with normal radiographs, fractures in limbs with malformations, bone infections, malignant or benign tumor pathology. Data collection: Assessment of fist and forearm X-rays performed at the CHPR in 2017 and 18, initial and evolutionary. The following were analyzed: age, sex, fracture date, fracture topography, initial displacement, treatment, radiographic evolution and complications. Results: 662 patients were included. Being mostly male (65%), with an average of 9 years, right limb (61%), in the summer months (36%). Regarding the topography, a higher frequency was evidenced in rim and metaphyseal fractures (31.72% and 31.57%), followed by suprametaphyseal (18.43%) and physeal (18.28%). The treatment performed was orthopedic in 86.56% of the cases, while surgical was 12.84%, mostly with Kirschner wires (11.2%). The average immobilization time was 6 weeks, with a percentage of complications of 14.05%. Conclusions: The characteristics of the patients and fractures of the distal radius in the CHPR in the years 2017 and 18 were evaluated, with a total of 662 fractures (0.9 per day), in which the majority underwent orthopedic treatment with an index of complications that is around 14%, being greater the greater the initial displacement of the fracture.

Estudio de concordancia de radiografía-tomografía computarizada de las fracturas de radio distal / Radiography-computed tomography concordance study of distal radius fractures

Introducción: La fractura de radio distal resulta común en la extremidad superior y representa un reto terapéutico. Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia entre radiografía simple y tomografía computarizada con respecto a las clasificaciones AO Foundation y de Fernández, y la elección del tratamiento. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de concordancia diagnóstica entre radiografía simple y tomografía computarizada. Ortopedistas y cirujanos de mano analizaron 19 imágenes de fracturas de radio distal de acuerdo con las clasificaciones AO Foundation y de Fernández, y las distintas opciones de tratamiento. Para el grado de concordancia se usó el coeficiente Kappa de Fleiss. La prueba de t-Student y Chi cuadrado diferenciaron los grupos para variables cuantitativas y cualitativas, respectivamente. Hubo una significancia estadística de p= 0,05. Resultados: La clasificación de Fernández coincidió mejor que la clasificación AO Foundation entre radiografía y tomografía computarizada. En la elección del tratamiento y la técnica de osteosíntesis la concordancia fue mayor al 90 por ciento, mientras que el abordaje quirúrgico solo alcanzó el 50 por ciento. La clasificación AO Foundation radiográfica se correspondió con fracturas complejas, mientras la de Fernández con las menos complicadas. Las fracturas se subestimaron cuando se clasificaron con radiografía. Conclusiones: La relación de las clasificaciones entre radiografía y tomografía computarizada para fracturas de radio distal no resulta satisfactoria. La tomografía computarizada ofrece información que modifica las decisiones en el tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Distal radius fracture is common in the upper extremity and represents a therapeutic challenge. Objective: To determine the agreement between simple radiography and computed tomography with respect to AO Foundation and Fernández classifications, and the choice of treatment. Methods: A diagnostic agreement study was carried out between simple radiography and computed tomography. Orthopedists and hand surgeons analyzed 19 images of distal radius fractures according to AO Foundation and Fernández classifications, and the different treatment options. Fleiss Kappa coefficient was used for the degree of agreement. The Student's t-test and chi-square differentiated the groups for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. There was a statistical significance of p = 0.05. Results: Fernández classification coincided better than AO Foundation between radiography and computed tomography. In the choice of treatment and osteosynthesis technique, agreement was greater than 90 percent, while the surgical approach only reached 50 percent. The radiographic AO Foundation classification corresponded to complex fractures while Fernández classification corresponded to less complicated ones. Fractures were underestimated when classified with radiography. Conclusions: The relationship of classifications between radiography and computed tomography for distal radius fractures is not satisfactory. Computed tomography provides information that modifies treatment decisions(AU)

[Short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures].

Objective To explore the short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures, and explore the quantification of traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction and personalized improvement of splinting. Methods The clinical data of 50 patients with AO type-A distal radius fractures, who received treatment at the outpatient department of Cangzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital in Hebei Province, were retrospective analyzed. The patient cohort included 22 females and 28 males, with ages ranging from 25 to 75 years old. Among them, 27 cases presented with distal radius fractures on the left side, and 24 cases on the right side. The patients were categorized into two groups: treatment group (n=25) and control group(n=25). There were 13 males and 12 females in the treatment group, with an average age of (56.2±5.5) years old. Treatment approach for this group involved several steps. Initially, Mimics Research software was used to conduct comprehensive analysis of complete CT data from the affected limb, resulting in the creation of a three-dimensional model. Subsequently, 3D models of the bones and skin contours, stored as STL format files, were imported into the Materialise Magics 23.0 software for model processing and repair. This facilitated the simulation of reduction and recording of displacement data, effectively generating a "digital prescription" to guide and quantify traditional Chinese medicine manipulation procedures. Finally, a personalized 3D printed splint was applied for fixation treatment. There were 15 males and 10 females in the control group, with an average age of (53.32±5.28) years old. These patients were treated with manualreduction combined with traditional splinting. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was assessed in terms of fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, Gartland-Werley wrist joint score and X-ray parameters (palminclination angle, ulnar deviation angle, radius height) at 6 weeks post-operatively. Results The treatment group exhibited a shorter duration for achieving clinical healing compared to the control group (P<0.05). Six weeks post-operatively, the treatment group demonstrated higher wrist joint function scores, and a higher proportion of excellent and good outcomes than the control group(P<0.05). The treatment group was superior to the control group in terms of imaging parameters 6 weeks post-operatively (P<0.05). Conclusion By quantifying skin contours through digital simulation prescription reduction, a personalized 3D printed splint is developed to effectively stabilize fractures, enhancing localized fixation while ensuring greater adherence, stability, and comfort. This innovative approach offers personalized treatment for AO type-A distal radius fractures and presents a novel, precise treatment strategy for consideration.

[Exploration and consideration on establishing a core outcome set of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical trials in distal radius fracture].

There are inconsistencies in treatment outcomes, measurement instruments, and criteria for assessing clinical effectiveness in studies related to distal radius fractures (DRF), resulting in potential biases and failing to provide high-quality clinical evidence. To address these challenges, international researchers have reached a consensus on developing the core outcome indicator set for distal radius fractures(COS-DRF). However, it's important to note that the existing COS-DRF framework could not reflect the unique characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Currently, there are no established standards for treatment outcomes and measurement instruments specific to TCM clinical research, nor has a COS-DRF been established for TCM clinical studies in China. In light of these gaps, our research team aims to construct a core set of treatment outcomes for TCM clinical research on distal radius fractures. This involves compiling a comprehensive list of treatment outcomes and measurement instruments, initially derived from a thorough literature review and expert consensus, which will then undergo further refinement and updates based on real-world clinical experiences, incorporating feedback from 2 to 3 rounds of expert consensus or Delphi questionnaire surveys. Our goal is to establish a COS-DRF or CMS-DRF that aligns with the principles and practices of TCM, and provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice.