Correlation between radiographic and functional outcome of distal radius fracture managed by closed reduction and plaster of Paris cast application: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to determine whether radiological parameters correlate with functional outcome in patients with a fracture of the distal radius managed by closed reduction and pop cast application. Methods: This prospective study included all trauma cases which were presented to the Maharishi Markandeshwar institute of medical sciences and research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana over a one year period. Radiographs in postero-anterior (PA), lateral views were used to visualise a suspected fracture of the distal radius. The information were recorded on an electronic spreadsheet. Cases were excluded if they did not meet the definition our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were managed with above elbow pop cast for 3 weeks and further below elbow cast for 2-3 weeks. Mobilization was started after confirming clinic radiological union. Radiographs were taken at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months duration post reduction. Functional outcome was measured using Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questioner score (DASH score) and patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE). Results: A total of 146 patients were included. In our study we got 67.2% Excellent, 16% good, 15% fair and 3% poor results. In this study we analyzed PRWE score after 3 months, 6 months and 12 months for function outcomes. The mean difference of PRWE score between after three months (23.21±23.1) and after six months (15.03±32.1) the p value was 0.001, which was significant. The mean difference of PRWE score between after 6 months (15.03±32.1) and 12 months (5.11±43.1) the p value was 0.011, which was significant. The mean difference of PRWE score between after three months (23.21±23.1) and 12 months (5.11±43.1) p value was