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Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Protocol - Intervention

External fixation versus conservative treatment for distal radial fractures in adults

This is not the most recent version

Abstract

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

We aim to evaluate the evidence from randomised controlled trials for the use of external fixation for fractures of the distal radius in skeletally mature people.

We will compare the relative effects (benefits and harms) of any method of external fixation versus conservative treatment involving plaster or brace use in adults with these injuries. Augmented external fixation where supplementary percutaneous (through the skin) pinning is used to fix or support distal radial fragments will also be considered.

We will consider these effects primarily in terms of patient‐assessed functional outcome and satisfaction, and other measures of function and impairment, pain and discomfort, the incidence of complications, anatomical deformity and use of resources.

We plan to study the outcomes in different age groups and for different types of fractures, especially whether they are extra‐articular or intra‐articular.