DRF Reposition Manual Reduction vs Finger-trap Traction

Overview

Participants with distal radius fractures treated conservatively with cast immobilization are assigned to one of two approaches: (1) closed reduction under local anesthesia (hematoma block) followed by traction and casting, or (2) traction and casting without formal reduction. While reduction aims to restore anatomical alignment, loss of reduction may occur during follow-up. The study evaluates whether reduction under local anesthesia provides any benefit over traction alone. The hypothesis is that both treatments result in comparable radiographic alignment and functional outcomes at the end of treatment.

Participants have sustained a distal radius fracture treated with cast immobilization. Two common conservative management approaches are being compared: (1) closed reduction under a local anesthetic (hematoma block) followed by traction and casting, and (2) immobilization after traction alone without formal reduction under anesthesia. While the first method aims to restore anatomical alignment initially, loss of reduction may occur over time. The second method improves alignment but does not attempt full anatomical reduction. The study hypothesis is that both approaches result in similar wrist alignment and functional outcomes after completion of treatment. The objective of this study is to determine whether reduction under local anesthesia followed by traction provides any advantage over traction alone in patients with distal radius fractures.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes