Cast versus splint in children with minimally angulated fractures of the distal radius: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Minimally angulated fractures of the distal radius are common in children and have excellent outcomes. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine whether the use of a prefabricated splint is as effective as a cast in the recovery of physical function.

Methods

We included 96 children 5 to 12 years of age who were treated for a minimally angulated (≤ 15°) greenstick or transverse fracture of the wrist between April 2007 and September 2009 at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a prefabricated wrist splint or a short arm cast for four weeks. The primary outcome was physical function at six weeks, measured using the performance version of the Activities Scale for Kids. Additional outcomes included the

SUBMITTER: Boutis K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2950182 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature