A comparative study on treatment outcomes of bandage and casting in non-displaced extra-articular fracture of distal radius: A clinical trial study

Background: Some therapeutic methods for treating non-displaced extra-articular fracture (NDEA) of distal radius are sometimes met with controversy in their selection. We explored and compared two such methods - bandaging and casting - for this study. Methods: This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted during 2015 on patients (n = 62) with an NDEA fracture of the distal radius. Patients were randomly assigned to either the casting (n = 32) or bandage (n = 30) group to receive the respective fracture-repair procedure. Follow-up contact was made during the first, second, third, and sixth weeks after treatment. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire was completed and the visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring pain was assessed. All patients underwent an X-ray radiographic assessment to evaluate any potential complications. Results: At the end of the study, 30 patients in the bandage group and 32 in the casting group finished the study. Statistical analyses indicated the bandage group exhibited a significantly higher mean DASH score than the casting group during the first week. This higher mean score decreased enough during the second week that, by the third week, the casting group scored higher. During the sixth and final week of study, the two groups showed no significant difference in DASH value. No significant differences between the two groups was evident in the VAS scores obtained during all follow-up assessments. Patients in the bandage group were able to return to work sooner than those in the casting group; their cost of treatment was lower, too. Conclusion: Bandage is the more appropriate treatment option for NDEA fractures of distal radius.