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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Distal Radius Fracture | Research

Radiographic and clinical outcomes of muenster and sugar tong splints for distal radius fractures: a comparative study

Authors: Young-Hoon Jo, Myoung Keun Lee, Young Seok Lee, Wan-Sun Choi, Joo-Hak Kim, Jiwhan Kim, Chang-Hun Lee

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Non-operative management is typically indicated for extra-articular distal radius fractures. Conservative treatments such as Sugar tong splints (STs) and Muenster splints (MUs) are commonly used. However, there is limited research and outcome data comparing the two splint types. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of treatment using STs and MUs.

Methods

In this retrospective comparative study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of STs and MUs for the treatment of distal radius fractures. The study included 64 patients who underwent closed reduction (CR) in the emergency room and were treated with either STs or MUs splints (STs group: n = 38, MUs group: n = 26). Initial X-rays, post-CR X-rays, and last outpatient follow-up X-rays were evaluated. Radial height (RH), ulnar variance (UV), radial inclination (RI), and volar tilt (VT) were measured by a blinded investigator. The Quick DASH form was applied to measure patients’ satisfaction after treatments.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, initial radiographic measurements, or radiographic measurements immediately after CR between the two groups. However, the overall radiological values deteriorated to some degree in both groups compared to the post-CR images. Furthermore, using a paired test, the STs group showed significant differences in RH and RI, and the MUs group showed significant differences in RH and UV between the last follow-up and post-CR images.

Conclusions

The study concluded that there was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two splint types. However, both STs and MUs groups showed reduced radiographic parameters, and the MUs group showed a significant reduction of RH and UV in the treatment of distal radius fractures.

Level of evidence

Level IV; Retrospective Comparison; Treatment Study.

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Title: Radiographic and clinical outcomes of muenster and sugar tong splints for distal radius fractures: a comparative study
Authors: Young-Hoon Jo
Myoung Keun Lee
Young Seok Lee
Wan-Sun Choi
Joo-Hak Kim
Jiwhan Kim
Chang-Hun Lee
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Distal Radius Fracture
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07362-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Radiographic and clinical outcomes of muenster and sugar tong splints for distal radius fractures: a comparative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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