Early results after Colles' fracture: functional bracing in supination vs dorsal plaster immobilization

A randomized clinical study of functional bracing in supination (FUSU) versus dorsal plaster immobilization (DPI) was conducted in 145 patients with Colles' fracture. A dynamic wrist unit was developed and used in 68 patients allocated for FUSU. The anatomical end result after FUSU was excellent or good in 80% of the patients versus 64% after DPI (P less than 0.05), in particular due to less dorsal angulation (P less than 0.001) and less radial shortening. The functional recovery was equal after 7 weeks and 3 months. At 6 months, 92% satisfactory results were achieved after FUSU versus 86% after DPI (P less than 0.05). Both anatomical and functional benefits were recorded in Frykman type V, VI, and VIII fractures and in the group of displaced intra-articular fractures. The functional benefit from FUSU is suggested primarily to be secondary to decreased fracture redislocation.