Radiological comparison of two immobilization methods in the non-surgical treatment of distal radius fractures in the elderly: Single sugar-tong splint shows similar efficacy to long-arm cast.

Background: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the long-arm cast (LAC) and the single sugar-tong splint (SSTS) in the non-operative treatment of distal radius fractures in the geriatric population.

Methods: Patients consulted at the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department within the Emergency Department (ED) were reviewed through the electronic archives of a tertiary university hospital over a five-year period. The study included patients aged 65 years and older with a distal radius fracture who required reduction, had successful closed reduction, and had at least six weeks of X-ray follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups based on the immobilization method: the SSTS group (n=88) and the LAC group (n=31). The patients' radiographs taken after reduction in the ED, as well as at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th weeks, were evaluated. Radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, and ulnar variance were measured on the radiographs at each visit. The delta value was calculated by subtracting the measurement on the first post-reduction radiograph from the measurement taken at the sixth week. The data obtained were then compared between the two groups.

Results: A total of 119 patients (93 females, 26 males, mean age: 72.9±7.3 years; range, 65 to 90 years) were included. The mean age was 74.6±7.6 in Group 1 and 72.3±7.2 in Group 2 (p=0.135). Group 1 consisted of 26 females and 5 males; Group 2 included 67 females and 21 males (p=0.52). Statistically significant differences were observed in post-reduction volar tilt (p=0.005), first week volar tilt (p=0.020), post-reduction ulnar variance (p=0.044), first week ulnar variance (p=0.037), and second week ulnar variance (p=0.027) between the groups. No statistically significant differences were detected in other radiological parameters, including delta values. Two patients in Group 1 and seven patients in Group 2 required secondary intervention (p=1).

Conclusion: In the non-operative management of geriatric distal radius fractures, the SSTS is an immobilization technique that is as effective as the LAC.