Can distal radius torus fractures be treated safely and effectively with elastic bandages?

This study aimed to investigate whether distal radius torus fractures can be treated safely, effectively, and more cost-efficiently using a nonrigid immobilization method such as elastic bandages, instead of traditional rigid fixation like casting. A total of 366 patients aged between 4 and 15 years who presented to the orthopedics and traumatology clinic within 36 h of injury because of a distal radius torus fracture were included in the study. Patients were treated with either an elastic bandage or a short arm splint. They were followed up at scheduled clinical intervals. During follow-up, demographic data, Visual Analog Scale scores, HAND20 scores, wrist joint range of motion, fracture healing via radiographs, and treatment costs were recorded. A total of 366 patients were included, with 205 (56.1%) treated using a short arm splint and 161 (43.9%) with an elastic bandage. The mean age of the patients was 9.19 ± 2.59 years. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of various clinical outcomes. Moreover, the material cost per patient in the splint group was found to be 10 times higher than that in the elastic bandage group. The treatment of distal radius torus fractures in children with elastic bandages is safe, effective, and cost-efficient. These fractures are inherently stable and have a low risk of complications. Therefore, nonrigid methods such as elastic bandages can be considered a viable alternative in the management of these injuries.