Subjects with acute, displaced distal radius fractures will be randomized at the time of emergency room evaluation to one of two commonly accepted splinting methods for displaced distal radius fractures: sugar tong splints or volar/dorsal clam shell splints. Reduction will be performed in the usual, standard fashion and the selected splint applied. Standard radiographic measurements of alignment, including radial height, volar tilt and inclination will be measured on pre- and post- reduction radiographs by a single reviewer- who will be blinded to splint application type. At the first fracture follow-up visit, typically occurring between 5-10 days, as in standard practice, repeat radiographs of the wrist will be taken, and the same reviewer will measure alignment. As a secondary outcome, patients will also complete the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire at this visit, to compare patients' ability to perform activities of daily living with their respective splints.
Age range
18 Years – 100 Years
Sex
ALL
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Displacement of fracture, measured by radial height
Timeframe: 1 Week
Displacement of fracture, measured by volar tilt
Timeframe: 1 Week
Displacement of fracture, measured by radial inclination
Timeframe: 1 Week
Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder,and Hand (DASH) outcome score
Timeframe: 1 Week