Readmission Rate of Outpatient Distal Radius Fixation Surgery with Brachial Plexus Block and Midline Pronator Quadratus Approach in the COVID-19 Era: A Retrospective Case Series Report in a Secondary Care Hospital in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the readmission rate after distal radius fixation surgery performed with a brachial plexus block and the midline pronator quadratus approach in an ambulatory manner in a secondary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data on distal radius fracture patients treated with ambulatory surgery. The patients were enrolled from 1 January 2020 to 28 February 2022, which was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary outcome was the readmission rate within 30 days after the surgery. The secondary outcomes were complications, postoperative pain, radiographic outcome, and functional score. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year after the surgery. Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 58.5 years, and the fractures were mainly caused by low-energy trauma. No postoperative complications were reported, and no readmission after surgery was observed. Overall radiographic parameters were in the acceptable range (radial inclination = 21.9, radial height = 10.26, volar tilt = 2.65, and ulna variance = 1.33). All patients returned to their preinjury statuses within 5 months. Conclusion: Distal radius fixation surgery can be managed in an ambulatory manner with a low readmission rate, even in secondary care hospitals. This repair technique provides adequate soft tissue coverage of the volar radius plate while decreasing the risk of iatrogenic radial artery injuries.