Maintenance of reduction of pediatric distal radius fractures with a sugar-tong splint.

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are common injuries in children. Displaced fractures have traditionally been treated with closed reduction followed by immobilization in a long arm cast. Because of variable success rates with this technique, a trend in the literature is toward operative fixation of these fractures. A popular alternative practice involves temporary immobilization in a sugar-tong splint, though we are unaware of any studies demonstrating the efficacy of this technique in children. We present our experience in treating these injuries initially with a sugar-tong splint and then with a short arm cast. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 53 patients (age range, 2-12 years) treated with closed reduction and a sugar-tong splint followed by conversion to a short arm cast after 2 to 3 weeks. In 51 (96%) of 53 fractures, reduction was maintained without more aggressive intervention. The sugar-tong splint is effective in maintaining reductions in pediatric distal radius fractures and has none of the added risks associated with current alternative methods.

• Authors: Alec E Denes Jr, Richard Goding, Jeffrey Tamborlane, Evan Schwartz
• Journal: American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.) (Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ)) Vol. 36 Issue 2 Pg. 68-70 (Feb 2007) ISSN: 1078-4519 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17405634 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Bandages
• Casts, Surgical
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Clinical Protocols
• Humans
• Radiography
• Radius Fractures (diagnostic imaging, surgery, therapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Splints