Comparison of Efficacy of Above Elbow POP Versus Below Elbow POP in Distal Forearm Displaced Fractures in Children

Abstract

Background: To compare the efficacy of above elbow versus below elbow POP cast in distal forearm displaced fractures in children. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 264 patients were selected using consecutive non-probability sampling and were randomized into two groups, one group underwent manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and above elbow POP while the other group underwent MUA and below elbow POP. Efficacy was checked at 1 week by X-rays showing presence of re-displacement. Results: Fifty six percent patients were male while 44% patients were female. Bone involvement stood at 14.8%, 54.9% and 30.3% for Ulna only, Radius only and combined Ulna and Radius, respectively. Efficacy was 70.45% in the below elbow group as compared to 52.2% in above elbow group (p=0.002). Conclusion: Below elbow cast is better than above elbow cast in the treatment of displaced distal forearm fractures in children in terms of re-displacement.

Keywords

• Below elbow cast
• Displaced fractures
• Forearm fractures