A Comparative Study of functional outcome of Distal Radius Fracture Treated with Closed Reduction and Cast vs. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Distal radius fractures, common in emergency rooms, exhibit a
bimodal age distribution. Traditional treatments include manipulation, casting, and K-wires.
Modern methods like JESS fixation and volar plating aim to restore alignment and early
mobility. This study compares grip strength, a key recovery measure, between closed reduction
and casting and open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) after twelve months.
Material and Methods: This observational study analyzed grip strength in 232 distal radius
fracture patients who underwent closed reduction and casting or ORIF. Assessments were done
twelve months post-intervention.
Results: Statistical analysis (P > 0.05) revealed no significant difference in grip strength
between ORIF and casting after twelve months, emphasizing grip strength's reliability in
outcome assessment.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the equivalence of closed reduction and casting to ORIF
for distal radius fractures, with grip strength as a dependable metric for functional recovery.
Beyond grip strength, treatment decisions should consider other factors due to the lack of
significant differences in this specific outcome measure