The Operating Theatre Journal - Journal - Page 34
The Operating Theatre Journal
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A plaster cast can safely and cost-effectively treat a
broken wrist
A moulded plaster cast is a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgery for
a distal radius fracture (a common break where the forearm meets the wrist
joint).
Researchers found that casts were as effective as surgery using wire for
most patients. Wrist pain and function were similar, regardless of which
approach was taken.
1 in 8 people who had a cast required surgery in the first 6 weeks. Even so,
the cost analysis suggests that adopting this approach could save hundreds
of thousands of pounds as well as freeing up surgical time and theatre
capacity.
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can sa
Read the Alert: A plaster cast can safely and cost-effectively treat a broken
wrist
wrist
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