NCT02066857

Cast vs. Splints for Minimally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures in the Elderly

Use of Cast Versus Removable Splints for Minimally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 5 (actual)
• Sponsor: Emory University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this prospective randomized study is to add to the body of knowledge on the treatment of minimally displaced distal radius fractures in patients over 60 years of age. The investigators believe that treating minimally displaced distal radius fractures in people over 60 with a removable splint and early range of motion will provide greater patient satisfaction, fewer complications, and earlier functional returns to pre-injury for these patients compared to those treated with a short arm cast which immobilizes the limb for at least four weeks, and has been shown to lead to longer recovery and possible residual stiffness. The investigators hope to provide sufficient evidence in directing treatment that will give the most efficacious and the most satisfactory return of prior function to patients. Since distal radius fractures in the elderly are common because of poorer bone quality, the elderly proportion of the population is increasing, and controlling health costs is of current concern, answering the question of which treatment produces the best results for all these concerns is of increasing importance now.

Conditions

• Radius; Fracture, Lower or Distal End

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Cast made of generic plaster or fiberglass cast material	Patients will randomly receive a generic plaster or fiberglass cast for treatment of non-displaced distal radius fracture.
DEVICE	Generic "off the shelf" removable splint	Patients will be randomized to receive a generic "off the shelf" removable splint for treatment of a non-displaced distal radius fracture.

Timeline

• Start date: 2014-04-01
• Primary completion: 2016-04-01
• Completion: 2016-04-01
• First posted: 2014-02-20
• Last updated: 2017-05-24
• Results posted: 2017-05-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States