Norian SRS versus functional treatment in redisplaced distal radial fractures: a randomized study in 20 patients

We compared the use of Norian SRS, an injectable calcium phosphate bone cement, with functional treatment of redisplaced distal radial fractures in a prospective randomized study of 20 patients. The redisplaced fractures were either rereduced and stabilized by Norian SRS, or the displaced position was accepted and was not rereduced. All wrists were immobilized in a short-arm dorsal splint for 1 week, followed by a removable splint for another 3 weeks. The chosen primary effect variable was grip strength at 7 weeks, and this did not differ between the two treatment groups. The clinical results at 6 months in both groups were similar. We conclude that aggressive treatment of redisplaced fractures of the distal radius may be unnecessary in most women aged 50 years or more.