The Radiographic Quality of Distal Radius Fracture Reduction Using Sedation Versus Hematoma Block

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are treated in the emergency department (ED) with a closed reduction in order to decrease neurovascular and soft tissue injury and as a first definitive step in conservative treatment. The type of anesthesia used may affect the ability to reduce the fracture and remains controversial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of radiographic reduction achieved in the ED of DRF reduced using sedation anesthesia to those reduced with hematoma block anesthesia.

A retrospective case-control study of 240 DRF reductions, 30 treated with sedation and 210 with a hematoma block, was performed. Complications and time spent in the ED were documented. Pre- and postreduction radiographs were reviewed for volar tilt, radial angulation, radial height, and ulnar variance.

Both groups were similar in gender, background illnesses, concomitant injuries, surgeon experience, and fracture radiographic classification. Postreduction values of volar tilt were better in the sedation group (P = .03). Volar tilt and ulnar variance improved more in the sedation group (P = .001). The sedation group spent more time in the ED (P = .001).

Sedation seemed to be more efficient than hematoma block in supporting closed reduction of distal radius fractures in the ED. However, this method requires specialized personnel and more time spent in the ED.

We suggest using this method when the patient is planned to continue with conservative treatment.