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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

Volume 12, Issue 3, October 2014 pp 446-448

Research Article

Splints are an overall better alternative to casting for torus fractures in children in rural hospitals

Midhun Krishnan¹, Cherian Jacob²

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the functional outcome, patient satisfaction and cost of two methods of treatment, namely plaster of Paris cast and a removable splint, for Torus or buckling fractures of the distal forearm in a rural teaching hospital setting. Methods: The study was done on71 consecutive patients with torus fracture presenting to the emergency department. The functional outcome was assessed using Mayo’s wrist score and patient satisfaction with Verhaar scale. Results: Functional results were satisfactory in 95% of the splint group and in 89% of the plaster group. Patient satisfaction was good to excellent in 97% of the splint group and 91% of the plaster group. The splint group had approximately 61% reduction in overall costs in monetary terms. Conclusion: Removable splinting as opposed to plaster casting has an overall better functional outcome, patient satisfaction and lower cost and may be the preferable treatment option for these simple fractures.