A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF USING TWO COMMONLY APPLIED METHODS AND TO EVALUATE THE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF MANAGEMENT OF COLLES FRACTURES IN ADULTS

Abstract

Background:Colles fracture in adults is a common injury and considering that there is very limited knowledge about the best method of treatment, either conservative or surgical. There is insufcient evidence from comparisons tested within this study to establish the relative effectiveness of the two methods over one another but from a health policy and health care funders' perspective it seems justiable to apply least costly option for managing this common fracture in our country. Aim: To study the functional outcome following treatment of Colles fracture by using closed reduction and plaster cast application versus Kirschner wire xation and to study the effectiveness and complications of both the procedure. Materials and Methods: 50 adult patients with fracture Colles were assigned in to two groups after informed consent. Both groups were investigated in usual manner. Group A: Cases treated with plaster cast application alone (n = 25).Group B: Cases treated with K-wire and plaster cast application (n = 25). The patients were followed up every four weeks till radiological union was seen. The assessment of results were made using the demerit score system of Gartland and Werley based on objective and subjective criteria, residual deformity and complications. Results: At 6 months postoperatively, According to Gartland and Werley Group A we had 5 (10%) excellent results, 12(24%) good results, 06(12%) fair results and 2 (4%) poor results. In group B, 5(10%) excellent results, 13(26%) good results, 07 (14%) fair results and none had poor results. Conclusion: From a health policy and health care funders' perspective it seems justiable to apply least costly option for managing this common fracture in our country.