Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks Improve Success Rate of Closed Reduction of Colles' Fractures: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: The initial treatment for distal forearm fractures, including Colles' fractures, involves closed reduction, for which effective pain management is essential. In Colles' fractures, achieving a satisfactory closed reduction may eliminate the need for surgical intervention. While ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are effective, hematoma blocks (HB) are often favored due to their feasibility in the emergency care setting. Further research comparing treatment outcomes is warranted.

Methods: In a multicentre randomised controlled trial, adults with distal forearm fractures were assigned to either ultrasound-guided blocks of the radial and median nerves (US) or HB for closed fracture reduction. The primary endpoint was satisfactory fracture reduction. Secondary endpoints were secondary fracture dislocation, self-reported pain, and time spent in the emergency department.

Results: Among 238 patients with Colles' fracture, 117 received US and 121 received HB. Satisfactory fracture reduction was achieved in 73 (62%) and 49 (40%) patients, respectively (p = 0.01). Surgical correction was conducted in 61 (52%) patients in the US group, contrasting 80 (66%) patients in the HB group (p = 0.03). During the fracture reduction, no difference in self-reported pain was observed (p = 0.21) for patients with distal forearm fractures (n = 247). The median time from block application to fracture reduction was 45 min in the US group and 25 min in the HB group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided median and radial nerve blocks had a higher success rate for Colles' fracture reduction than the hematoma block group. The influence of anesthetic techniques on the eventual need for surgery requires further investigation.