418 The Management of Distal Radius Fractures in Adults with A Removable Soft Cast During the Peak Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: Patient Reported Outcomes And Experiences

Abstract

IntroductionImmobilisation tools for non-operative management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in adults, include plaster casts, orthotic splints, and recently removable soft cast as per the BOAST COVID-19 guidelines. Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of removable soft casts in adults with DRFs. We assessed patient reported functional outcomes and experiences of adults with DRFs managed non-operatively in a removable soft cast during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed adults with DRFs, treated with a removable soft cast for 6 weeks between 9th April 2020 and 18th May 2020. Functional scores - Disabilities of the Arms, Shoulders and Hands (DASH) and a 7-question Patient Reported Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) were conducted at 6 weeks, along with a record of complications. A DASH score of < 25 was deemed a satisfactory functional score.Results34 patients formed our cohort, with a 65% (22patients) completion rate, mean age of 69years. 82% had a DASH score < 25 and 18% had a DASH score > 25 at 6 weeks. 86% reported satisfactory comfort in the PREQ with 14% reporting discomfort. Two patients re-attended hospital with soft cast related problems.ConclusionsMost adults with DRFs managed in a removable soft cast reported good early functional outcomes, satisfactory experiences, and no clinic visits at 6weeks.