Prospective study of cast immobilization of extra-articular distal radius colles type fractures in 10*-15◦ degree of wrist dorsiflexion and assessment of functional outcome

Abstract

Introduction: Cast immobilization of colles type fractures is very common practice worldwide. However the position of wrist during immobilisation remains controversial. It has been noted that wrist immobilisation in dorsiflexion often results in low rate of re-displacement after closed reduction and decreased incidence of stiffness of wrist and fingers. Aims and Objective: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcome of cast immobilization in extra-articular colles type distal radius fracture with wrist in dorsiflexion. Material and Methods: This prospective study comprised of 81 patients with a mean follow-up of 3 month. Patients were evaluated for radial height, radial inclination and volar tilt according to Lindstrom criteria. Functional outcome were assessed with PRWE score. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Results:The loss of radial height of distal radius varied from 4mm to 12 mm. Average loss of radial height varied from 6.65 mm pre-reduction to 2.92 mm post-reduction to 4.11 mm at the time of final follow–up. Forty eight patients (80%) loss less than 6 mm. Conclusion: The study shows satisfactory functional and anatomical results when cast immobilization is done in wrist dorsiflexion.