Minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation with fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws for repair of distal radius fracture: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Conventional open reduction internal fixation and external fixation are not ideal treatment options for distal radius fracture. Minimally invasive surgery for distal radius fracture results in less trauma than other techniques; fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws can increase the stability of fracture fragments and contribute to functional recovery after wrist fracture. In this proposed study, we hypothesize that minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture with fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws will promote functional recovery of the wrist joint. Methods/Design: In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, we will recruit 60 outpatients with distal radius fracture from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, China. Patients will be assigned to one of two treatment groups: C-arm fluoroscopy-assisted minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation with fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws (experimental group) or open reduction (palmar and dorsal incisions) and internal fixation with titanium plate (control group). Internal fixation will be maintained for 24 weeks in both groups. Our primary outcome measures will be X-ray and CT examinations 24 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcome measures include patient-rated wrist evaluation scores, used to evaluate wrist joint function; fracture healing time; and Visual Analogue Scale score, used to evaluate the severity of the patient's pain. Discussion: With this study we hope to confirm that minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation with fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws for distal radius fracture repair has advantages over conventional open reduction internal fixation with titanium plates, providing superior fragment stability and allowing for early rehabilitation exercise of the wrist joint, which improves recovery of function. We hope to show that minimally invasive closed reduction and internal fixation with fully threaded headless cannulated compression screws is the more suitable surgical method for repair of distal radius fracture. Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT02784678. Ethics: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, China. The trial protocol will be performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. Informed consent: Prior to the trial, patients and their family members will be informed of the risks and benefits of this trial. Signed informed consent will be obtained from each patient.