Duur gipsbehandeling bij niet gereponeerde polsfracturen.

Rationale:

Up to 30% of patients suffer from long-term functional restrictions following conservative treatment. Whether duration of cast immobilisation influences functional outcome remains unclear.



Objective:

The aim of the study is to prove that the functional outcome minimally displaced distal radial fractures is better after three weeks of plaster cast immobilization than after five weeks of plaster cast immobilization.



Study design:

A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.



Study population:

Adult (>18 years) (independent in activities of daily living) patients with a displaced distal radius fracture (Dorsal angulation > 15° or volar angulation <20°, Radial inclination < 15°, radial shortening > 5 mm, Radial displacement > 2 mm).



Intervention:

Three weeks of plaster cast immobilization versus five weeks of plaster cast immobilization.



Main study parameters:

Primary outcome parameters: Patient related wrist evaluation (PRWE) Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QUICKDASH) score, and secondary parameters: range of motion, pain level (VAS), cost-effectiveness analysis.



Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness:

The expectation of this study is that shorter duration of plaster cast immobilisation is beneficial for the patient with a distal radius fracture. This risk of specific complications is low and generally similar in both treatment options. Moreover, the burden of the study is not much higher compared to standard treatment. Follow-up is standardized according to current trauma guidelines. Literature indicates that both treatment options from the study are accepted for displaced distal radius fractures. No clear advantage for one treatment options is found at present in the literature, although there is no level I evidence present.

Een kortere gipsduur gaat gepaard met een betere functionele uitkomst.

6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months en 12 months.

1. Three weeks of plaster cast;

2. Five weeks of plaster cast.