Abstract |
Operative and conservative treatment of wrist fractures might lead to complex regional pain syndrome ( CRPS) type I.In our multicenter dose response study in which patients with distal radial fractures were randomly allocated to placebo or vitamin C in a daily dose of 200mg, 500mg or 1500mg during 50 days, an operated subgroup was analyzed.48 (of 427) fractures) were operated (11.2%). Twenty-nine patients (60%) were treated with external fixation, 14 patients (29%) with K-wiring according to Kapandji and five patients (10%) with internal plate fixation. The 379 remaining patients were treated with a plaster.In the operated group of patients who received vitamin C no CRPS (0/37) was seen in comparison with one case of CRPS (Kapandji technique) in the operated group who received placebo (1/11 = 9%, p=.23). There was no CRPS after external fixation.In the conservatively treated group 17 cases of CRPS (17/379 = 4.5%) occurred in comparison with one in case of CRPS in the operated group (1/48 = 2.1%, p=.71).External fixation doesn't necessarily lead to a higher incidence of CRPS in distal radial fractures. Vitamin C may also play a role in this. This subgroup analysis in operated distal radial fractures showed no CRPS occurrence with vitamin C prophylaxis.
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Authors | Paul E Zollinger, Robert W Kreis, Hub G van der Meulen, Maarten van der Elst, Roelf S Breederveld, Wim E Tuinebreijer |
Journal | The open orthopaedics journal
(Open Orthop J)
Vol. 4
Pg. 71-5
(Feb 17 2010)
ISSN: 1874-3250 [Electronic] United Arab Emirates |
PMID | 20309405
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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