Distal radius fractures reduction and immobilization using a novel device in older adults in emergency department

The purpose of this study was to introduce a new device for the reduction and immobilization of distal radius fractures.

We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients aged 65 years or older who had been treated for displaced distal radius fractures between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Patients were grouped according to the treatment documented in their medical records: conventional manual closed reduction and cast immobilization (n = 20) or device-assisted reduction and cast immobilization (n = 20). Clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes recorded at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year were extracted and compared.

The groups had equal distribution in age, gender, injured side, classification of fracture. Volar tilt (Vt), and Ulnar variance (Uv) were better in device group at each follow-up point, Radial inclination (Ri) and Radial length (Rl) were similar at 6-month and 1-year follow-up. Wrist flexion, extension and pronation were better in device group at 6-month and 1-year follow-up. DASH scores were better in device group at 6-month follow-up and similar at 1-year follow-up. Skin damage, neurovascular injury and tenosynovitis did not occur in any patients.

The device is convenient and effective for reduction of distal radius fractures. For our future work, we propose to improve the device to incorporate control by artificial intelligence and to reduce the size and weight to more accurately and intelligently control the device and make it easier to carry and operate.