Short vs Long Arm Cast for Distal Radius Fractures: the Verona Trial (SLA-Ver)

Integrated University Hospital Trust of Verona

Status: Completed

Conditions: Radius Fracture Distal

Treatments: Procedure: Long arm cast; Procedure: Short arm cast

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03468023

1165CESC

1166CESC (Registry Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study prospectively compares the performance of an above-elbow cast (long arm cast) and a below-elbow cast (short arm cast) to maintain reduction in conservatively managed distal radius fractures.

Full description

The choice of cast length in conservative management of distal radius fractures still represents a much debated controversy. Classic teaching was to immobilize the elbow to reduce risk of secondary displacement; however, short arm casts are felt to be equally effective with less complications and higher patient comfort. There is currently no conclusive evidence for or against immobilization of the elbow in patients treated with cast immobilization.

Enrollment: 353 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of distal radius fracture
• Indication to conservative treatment
• Need for manipulation to reduce fracture

Exclusion criteria

• Open fractures
• Existence of any skin lesion or wound that would impair cast treatment
• Neurovascular deficits
• Bilateral fractures
• Association with any other fracture of the homolateral arm

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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353 participants in 2 patient groups

Short arm cast

Experimental group

Description:

Patient treated with below-elbow cast

Treatment:

Procedure: Short arm cast

Long arm cast

Active Comparator group

Description:

Patients treated with above-elbow cast

Treatment:

Procedure: Long arm cast