Conservative treatment of the distal radius fracture using thermoplastic splint: pilot study results

Fractures of the distal radius are common accounting for approximately one-sixth of all fractures treated in the emergency room. This study reviews a series of patients with stable distal radius fractures who have been treated with thermoplastic splint.

This study was undertaken between November 2009 and May 2010 in a single orthopaedic fracture outpatient clinic. All patients had undisplaced or minimally displaced distal radius fractures. Children and open fractures were excluded. Patients had been reviewed in the outpatients with radiographs on 1, 2, 6 and 12 weeks after injury. Skin condition and satisfaction were assessed on splint removal. Radiological parameters of radial inclination, radial length and palmer tilt were measured.

In total, 26 patients were treated with the splint. The average age of the patients was 45.1 (range, 21-73), and male/female ratio was 12:14. On average, the splint was removed at 5.1 weeks (mode = 6 weeks). The right- to left-side ratio was 11:15. Eleven of those fractures were on the dominant side. There was no significant difference in the radiological outcomes pre- and post-splinting. Nearly all patients had been satisfied with the splint. Two patients had minor cast complications whilst 23 patients were able to shower whilst in splint.

Patients treated with thermoplastic splint showed no deterioration in their radiological outcomes. Nearly all the patients had been satisfied with the splint.