No Reduction Compared to Closed Reduction for Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Over 65 or Older

Launched by TAMPERE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jun 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best way to treat a common wrist fracture called a distal radius fracture in people aged 65 and older. Usually, when this type of fracture happens, doctors try to realign the broken bones by gently moving them back into place before putting on a cast—a process known as closed reduction. This study will compare two approaches: casting the wrist without trying to realign the bones first, versus the usual method of realigning the bones before casting. The main goal is to see if there’s any difference in wrist pain and function one year after the injury.

People who might be eligible for this study are those 65 years or older who live independently and have a specific type of wrist fracture caused by a low-impact fall. Participants cannot have more complicated injuries or be working a paid job. If you join the trial, you’ll be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment methods and will have follow-up visits at 3 months and 12 months to check how your wrist is healing and functioning. The study is not yet recruiting, but it aims to help doctors understand if skipping the bone realignment step is just as effective, which could make treatment simpler and more comfortable for older adults with these fractures.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 65 years or older
• • Independent living patients
• • Displaced distal radius fracture (AO/OTA 23A/23C) with 15-40 degree dorsal angulation, and/or of shortening of the radius for more than 2 mm.
• • Associated ulnar styloid fracture is permitted
• • Low energy injury, (fall from \<1 m)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient unable to provide consent
• • Patients who are actively working in a paid position
• • Volar angulation, partial articular fractures (AO/OTA 23B)
• • Concomitant fracture of the ulna proximal to the base of the styloid process
• • Associated fracture or dislocation in any other body part that would affect the use of the injured distal radius
• • Distal radius fractures in both arms
• • Open injury, Gustilo 2 or higher
• • No bony contact between the main fragments
• • High energy injuries