Four weeks versus six weeks of immobilization in a cast following closed reduction for displaced distal radial fractures in adult patients: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Aims: There is no level I evidence dealing with the optimal period of immobilization for patients with a displaced distal radial fracture following closed reduction. A shorter period might lead to a better functional outcome due to less stiffness and pain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this period could be safely reduced from six to four weeks. Methods: This multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) included adult patients with a displaced distal radial fracture, who were randomized to be treated with immobilization in a cast for four or six weeks following closed reduction. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score after follow-up at one year. Secondary outcomes were the abbreviated version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score after one year, the functional outcome at six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months, range of motion (ROM), the level of pain after removal of the cast, and complications. Results: A total of 100 patients (15 male, 85 female) were randomized, with 49 being treated with four weeks of immobilization in a cast. A total of 93 completed follow-up. The mean PRWE score after one year was 6.9 (SD 8.3) in the four-week group compared with 11.6 (SD 14.3) in the six-week group. However, this difference of -4.7 (95% confidence interval -9.29 to 0.14) was not clinically relevant as the minimal clinically important difference of 11.5 was not reached. There was no significant difference in the ROM, radiological outcome, level of pain, or complications. Conclusion: In adult patients with a displaced and adequately reduced distal radial fracture, immobilization in a cast for four weeks is safe, and the results are similar to those after a period of immobilization of six weeks.

Structural validity and construct validity of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® physical function-upper extremity version 2.0 item bank in Dutch patients with upper extremity injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study was to validate the Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function - Upper Extremity version 2.0 item bank in patients with upper extremity injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Structural validity was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis examining unidimensionality. In addition, a bi-factor model was fitted. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was examined by assessing correlations with legacy instruments Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand, Patient Reported Wrist Evaluation and Michigan Hand Questionnaire subscale Activities in Daily Life. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients (144 female) with mean age of 50 years (standard deviation 18) were included. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed Comparative Fit Index of 0.94, a Tucker Lewis Index of 0.93, a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation of 0.12 and a Standardized Root Mean Residual of 0.09. Factor loadings were all above 0.70. Bifactor analysis showed an omega-H of 0.79 and Explained Common Variance of 0.67. The correlations with the legacy instruments were as expected or higher than expected. CONCLUSION: The Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function - Upper Extremity version 2.0 item bank measures a unidimensional trait and sufficient construct validity was found.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCompleting Patient Reported Outcomes is time-consuming for patients and interpretability of outcomes is sometimes unclear due to some variation in psychometric properties.Computerized Adaptive Testing reduces the burden for patients by using an algorithm which decreases the amount of questions that need to be answered to 4 to 7 items.The Dutch-Flemish Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function - Upper Extremity version 2.0 item bank measures a unidimensional trait and has sufficient structural validity, internal consistency and construct validity.After calibration of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function - Upper Extremity version 2.0, the item bank is operable to use with Computerized Adaptive Testing.