RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiology
• Traumatology

Background:

• Distal radius fractures are common injuries.
• Conservative treatment is indicated for certain fracture types.
• Monitoring radiographic parameters is crucial for assessing treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiographic parameter evolution (radial tilt, volar tilt, radial height) in distal radius fractures managed conservatively.
• To analyze changes at diagnosis, early follow-up, and final outpatient visits.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 69 patients with distal radius fractures treated conservatively.
• Serial radiographic evaluations at three time points: diagnosis, within 2 weeks post-reduction, and final visit.
• Measurement of radial tilt, volar tilt, and radial height.

Main Results:

• Volar tilt improved post-reduction and remained stable at the final visit.
• Radial inclination and height initially increased between the first two evaluations.
• A regression in radial inclination and height was observed between the second and final evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management can lead to sustained improvement in volar tilt for distal radius fractures.
• While radial inclination and height may initially improve, they can regress over time with conservative treatment.
• Stable distal radius fractures generally respond well to conservative therapy.