Colorectal cancer in Greenland.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Practice Research

Background:

• Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are highly prevalent, necessitating standardized treatment protocols.
• Current Danish clinical practice for DRF closed reduction lacks national guidelines, potentially affecting patient care.
• This study surveyed current practices in Denmark to identify common anaesthesia and reduction techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the current clinical practices for the initial management and closed reduction of distal radius fractures in Denmark.
• To identify the anaesthetic methods and reduction techniques employed in Danish emergency departments for DRFs.
• To understand the criteria influencing surgical intervention following closed reduction of DRFs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to all physicians responsible for DRF treatment across 44 Danish emergency departments and minor injury units.
• The survey collected data on anaesthesia, reduction techniques, and post-reduction follow-up procedures for DRFs.
• A 100% response rate was achieved, providing comprehensive data on current clinical practices.

Main Results:

• Hematoma block is the exclusive anaesthetic method used for closed reduction of DRFs in all surveyed departments.
• Manual reduction combined with induced muscle fatigue, primarily via finger-trap traction, is the predominant technique (87%).
• X-ray imaging is standard for assessing reduction success, with surgical intervention criteria varying based on patient factors.

Conclusions:

• Hematoma block is the established anaesthetic standard for DRF closed reduction in Denmark.
• Finger-trap traction is widely utilized to facilitate manual reduction, indicating a consensus on muscle relaxation methods.
• Clinical practices for DRF management are largely consistent, with minor variations in surgical intervention thresholds.