Three weeks of cast immobilisation versus one week of brace immobilisation in non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients \<50 years of age treated non-operatively.
Background: Currently, non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures are treated by three to five 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 one week of immobilisation might be safe, however, no level one evidence is available. This trial aims to compare one week of brace immobilisation with three 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 one week of brace immobilisation in patients with non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures. A single blinded multicentre randomised clinical trial will be conducted in three hospitals. Adult patients, between 18-50 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 one week of brace immobilisation, and the control group with three weeks of cast immobilisation. Primary outcome is the Patient-Related Wrist Evaluation-score at six months. Secondary outcomes are: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand-score at six weeks and six months, PRWE at six weeks, range of motion, pain, radiological outcome, 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 one evidence on the optimal period and way of immobilisation for non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures in adult patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
74
patients will be treated either in a cast or a brace, patients in group A are treated by cast immobilization for 3 weeks
patients will be treated either in a cast or a brace, patients in group B are treated in a brace for 1 week
Amsterdam Umc
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
Spaarne Gasthuis
Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands
Maasstad Ziekenhuis
Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
Patient Related Wrist Evaluation
The primary outcome measure is the PRWE (Patient Related Wrist Evaluation) score after six months. Patients rate their outcome on a 0-10 scale on pain and functional outcome, and scores will be transformed to a 0-100 score. A higher score indicates greater disability.
Time frame: 6 months
Patient Related Wrist Evaluation
The primary outcome measure is the PRWE (Patient Related Wrist Evaluation) score after six weeks The primary outcome measure is the PRWE (Patient Related Wrist Evaluation) score after six months. Patients rate their outcome on a 0-10 scale on pain and functional outcome, and scores will be transformed to a 0-100 score. A higher score indicates greater disability.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
shortened version of the DASH Outcome Measure, using 11 items instead of 30 (scored 1-5) to measure pain and functional outcome. At least 10 of the 11 items must be completed to calculate a score. The scores will be transformed to a 0-100. A higher score indicates greater disability.
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Range of motion
Range of motion measured by goniometer
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Pain/Visual analogue scale score
Pain measured by VAS score VAS-score is a widely used method for pain assessments. Patients score their pain on a scale of 1-10. A higher score indicated a higher level of pain.
Time frame: at emergency department (day 0-1), one week, 6 weeks, 6 months
Radiological outcome
Analysis of X-rays, dorsal and volar tilt in degrees, radial height in millimetres and ulnar variance in millimetres will be calculated
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Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Complications
Complications secondary displacement (radial shortening \>3mm, dorsal tilt \>10° or intra-articular step-off \>2mm), delayed/non-union, re-interventions, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), tendon injuries (ruptures and tendinitis), nerve injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome and lesions), and distal radial ulnar joint disability.
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness measured by iMCQ (Medical Consumption questionnaires) Only the applicable items are included in this study. To create baseline data patients will be asked to complete those questionnaires at the ED at the day of trauma (t = 0). Patients will also be asked to complete these questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6 months
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness measured by iPCQ (Productivity Cost Questionnaire) Only the applicable items are included in this study. To create baseline data patients will be asked to complete those questionnaires at the ED at the day of trauma (t = 0). Patients will also be asked to complete these questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6 months
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months
Cost-effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness measured by EuoQol 5D (Euroquol quality of life score) Only the applicable items are included in this study. To create baseline data patients will be asked to complete those questionnaires at the ED at the day of trauma (t = 0). Patients will also be asked to complete these questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6 months
Time frame: 6 weeks, 6 months