Risk of redisplacement after first successful reduction in paediatric distal radius fractures: sensitivity assessment of casting indices.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of currently available indices for casting in distal radius fractures in children and to identify risk factors associated with displacement. A cohort of 14 patients with redisplacement was compared with a cohort of 41 patients with maintenance of reduction. A significant difference (<0.008) was observed in the three-point index, the degree of comminution (<0.01) and the quality of the initial reduction (<0.003). We recommend careful identification of high-risk factors and appropriate stabilization for potentially unstable fractures at first treatment. Assessment of the three-point index is recommended for judging the moulding technique.