Conservative treatment of distal radius fractures: an abandoned art

Distal radius fractures are common injuries that every orthopedic surgeon must be able to treat effectively. Achieving good outcomes without surgery is complex: it requires proper maneuvers in the emergency department, follow-up visits with cast adjustments or replacements, and follow-up radiographs, often resulting in discomfort for the patient. Additionally, some specialists, especially younger ones, are drawn to the perceived ease and convenience of surgical procedures, which contributes to less familiarity with conservative treatment. This update provides a practical guide to the non-operative management of distal radius fractures, from initial care, diagnosis, and reduction techniques to the radiographic and clinical criteria that must be assessed during follow-up to determine whether continued conservative treatment is appropriate.