Comparison of Short-Arm Immobilization and Long-Arm Immobilization in Conservatively Managed Distal Radius Fractures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-1-2024
Abstract
Distal radius fractures are often treated conservatively with immobilization. Immobilizing above the elbow limits forearm rotation, though recent literature has suggested the effects on radiographic or functional outcomes may be negligible. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the radiographic and functional outcome scores of distal radius fractures managed with short-arm (SA) immobilization and long-arm (LA) immobilization. An electronic systematic search was performed of the PubMed and EMBASE databases from inception to October 5, 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with acute distal radius fractures undergoing nonoperative treatment (involving application/maintenance of immobilization) comparing above-elbow versus below-elbow constructs were included. The outcomes of interest were changes in radiographic parameters (loss of volar tilt [VT], radial height [RH], and radial inclination [RI]), loss of reduction, requirement for surgery, and patient-reported functional outcomes (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, or Hand [DASH] or Quick DASH survey). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 was used for study quality assessment. The effect size of the interventions was assessed using random effect models to calculate mean differences (MDs) for continuous variables and odds ratios (ORs) for categorical variables. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for patient-reported functional outcome scores. Nine studies involving 983 cases were included, including 497 SA and 486 LA. No statistically significant differences were observed with regards to VT (
Volume
16
Issue
3
First Page
55813
Last Page
55813
ISSN
2168-8184
Published In/Presented At
Chaudhry, Y. P., Morway, G. R., Papadelis, E. A., Doerr, N. A., Graf, K. W., Mashru, R. P., & Dolch, H. J. (2024). Comparison of Short-Arm Immobilization and Long-Arm Immobilization in Conservatively Managed Distal Radius Fractures: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Cureus, 16(3), e55813. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55813
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
38590464
Department(s)
Fellows and Residents
Document Type
Article