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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 4/2015

01-05-2015 | General Review

Role of vitamin C in prevention of complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis

Authors: Sanjay Meena, Pankaj Sharma, Shreesh Kumar Gangary, Buddhadev Chowdhury

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome is a well-known complication after distal radius fracture with incidence ranging from 10.5 to 37 %. Some studies recommend the use of vitamin C to prevent complex regional pain syndrome. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C in prevention of CRPS.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases for randomized controlled trial (RCT) and comparative studies reporting use of vitamin C to prevent distal radius fracture. Dichotomous variable was presented as risk ratio with 95 % confidence intervals.

Results

We obtained 220 articles from the database search. After the exclusion of duplicates, unrelated articles, letter to editor and editorials, we found four articles relevant to our topic. Meta-analysis of the CRPS incidence revealed that the incidence of CRPS was significantly lower in the vitamin C group [RD 0.41 (0.19–0.92), P = 0.03]. There was moderate to high heterogeneity in the studies included I 2 = 63 %).

Conclusions

Our analysis showed a significant reduction in prevalence of CRPS with the use of vitamin C. Further high-quality RCTs with standard dosages and common diagnostic criteria are needed to be able to deliver solid conclusions.
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Metadata
Title
Role of vitamin C in prevention of complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis
Authors
Sanjay Meena
Pankaj Sharma
Shreesh Kumar Gangary
Buddhadev Chowdhury
Publication date
01-05-2015
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-014-1573-2

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