A randomised trial comparing two different methods of anesthesia prior to reduction of a displaced wrist fracture: Local anesthesia at the fracture side or nerve blocking anesthesia at the elbow.

Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. For patients with a displaced distal radius fracture, fracture reduction is the first step in management of these injuries. Anaesthesia is usually provided during reduction of displaced fractures; different methods of anesthesia are used in clinical practice. Current literature offers no strong evidence to support either of the different techniques (general anesthesia excluded) in providing best analgesia during fracture reduction. We think that regional nerve block at the elbow provides equal or better analgesia compared to haematoma block anesthesia.

Regional nerve block at the elbow provides equal analgesia compared to haematoma block during reduction of a displaced distal radius fracture in adults.

Follow-up up to one week.

Two different methods of anesthesia (no general anesthesia):

1. Haematoma block around the fracture;

2. Regional nerve block at the level of the elbow.