A Comparative Study of Functional Outcome in Operative Treatment versus Conservative Treatment in Fractures of Distal End Radius in Adults

Fracture distal end of radius is an injury seen with high frequency, representing approximately one sixth of all fractures seen in emergency departments. We compared operative treatment with conservative treatment of fractures of distal end radius in 25 cases each. Patients were divided into two groups, non-operative and operative. In operative group various procedures like percutaneous pinning, Dorsal Plating, Palmar Plating, External fixator application were done. In non-operative group above elbow POP cast was applied for 3 weeks and results were compared with respect to residual deformity, functional outcome and any complication. It was concluded that the non-operative method of treatment of fracture of distal end of radius is not as efficient and adequate for maintenance of reduction as compared to operative treatment. Recovery of movements is faster in the operative group than non-operative group. Hence, operative treatment is an effective and reliable method with minimal complications and better functional end results than non-operative method of treatment for fractures of distal end of radius.