Three-point Index Research Articles

Use of cast index and three-point index in paediatric both bone forearm fractures: a prospective study

Introduction The majority of paediatric both bone forearm fractures are treated with manipulative reductions and casting; loss of reduction is one of the most commonly reported complications. We aimed to assess the role of cast index and 3-point index as predictor of outcome of a successful closed reduction in distal both bones forearm fractures.Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College in Karnal to assess the role of cast index and 3-point index as predictor of outcome of a successful closed reduction in distal both bones forearm fractures. In the present study, 55 patients 16 years old were included irrespective of sex with distal both bones forearm fractures, managed by closed reduction and casting were included.Results Fracture reduction failure was observed in 32.7 % of the patients. Both three-point index and cast index were found to be significantly higher in patients with reduction failure. It was observed that at 2 weeks Area under curve (ROC Curve) for Cast index and Three point index was 0.72 and 0.85 respectively. At 4 weeks, Area under curve for Cast index and Three point index was 0.77 and 0.84 respectively and at 6 weeks 0.74 and 0.86 respectively. Thus, in the present study, CI and 3PI had similar predictability for fracture reduction failure.Discussion There are a few limitations of our study: We could not observe the patients for a longer period of time to know re-modelling in the long term. We did not take in to consideration the severity of fracture, type of anesthesia used (conscious sedation versus General Anesthesia) and the fracture configuration while assessing the outcomes. We also did not collect information about anthropometric parameters like child weight and diameter of the forearm.Conclusion The three-point index and cast index are clinically useful tools to assess the quality of cast molding following closed reduction of pediatric forearm fractures and to predict re-displacement in distal forearm fractures.

Is three-point index reliable in the follow-up of the distal radius metaphys fractures in the pediatric age group?

Three-point index (TPI), which can be used in the follow-up of conservative treatment, is an important indicator and reveals objective results about the fracture redisplacement. The hypothesis of the current study was that an initial TPI value of 0.6-0.8 may also be dangerous as it has the potential to exceed over 0.8 before a sufficient consolidation occurs and a prompt revision of the cast may prevent an upcoming displacement. This prospective controlled study 84 patients between 4 and 16 years of age, with radius distal metaphyseal fractures with more than 30% displacement or more than 15° initial angulation, were included. All of the patients in the groups had no redisplacement at 5-7 days and had TPI between 0.6 and 0.8. The patients who had cast replacement and adjusted TPI below 0.6 were included Group 1. The patients who had no cast replacement were included in Group 2. Redisplacement was observed in 8 of 38 (21%) patients in the Group 1 and in 27 of 46 (58%) patients in the Group 2 ( P value 0.001). Redisplacement with cast revision was 2.8 times less ( P < 0.005). The first reduction quality, fracture obliquity, renewed TPI values were found to be statistically significant for the prediction of redisplacement ( P < 0.005). We recommend that the follow-up of the TPI is an important predictive factor in the conservative treatment of pediatric metaphyseal radius fractures. TPI may be renewed for protection of the fracture reduction when calculated in the gray zone which is 0.6-0.08.

Analysis of risk factors for re-displacement of pediatric tibia fractures: A retrospective study of 196 cases.

The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the factors that may cause loss of reduction (LOR) in pediatric tibia diaphysis and distal third fractures treated with closed reduction and casting (CRC) and (2) to determine the effectiveness of cast index (CI), gap index (GI), and three-point index (TPI) in prediction of LOR. The patients aged 0-16 years who were admitted to the emergency department between January 2014 and January 2018, with tibia diaphysis or distal third fractures and treated with CRC were included the study. A total of 196 pediatric patients (41 females, 155 males) were retrospectively evaluated. The radiographs on admission were analyzed in terms of fracture type, location of the fracture, presence/location of the fibula fracture as well as initial angulation in both planes, translation, and the time of definitive cast. On radiographs taken after closed reduction and final casting, angulation in the coronal and sagittal planes, amount of translation (%), CI, GI, and TPI were measured. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of re-displacement. Of 196 patients, 46 developed re-displacement (23%). Age (P : 0.029), initial translation (P : 0.006), post-reduction translation (P : 0.001), and post-reduction AP angulation (P : 0.002) were found statistically significant. Mean CI and GI were higher in re-displacement group (P : 0.033, 0.036, respectively). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis postreduction AP angulation, post-reduction translation, and cast index were found independent risk factors. One should carefully evaluate patients who underwent CRC due to tibia fracture with CI > 1.02, post-reduction AP angulation > 3.4°, and post-reduction translation > 24.3° in terms of occurrence of re-displacement. Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Cast revision is effective for critical three-point index values in paediatric forearm fractures: a prospective study.

Three-point index (TPI) has been reported to be effective in predicting the displacement of forearm fractures. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of recasting critical but acceptable casts according to three-point index (0.6 < TPI < 0.8) before a redisplacement occurs in childhood forearm fractures. A TPI of 0.6-0.8 was determined in 68 patients, and these were separated as group 1 ( n = 34) applied with prophylactic recasting and group 2 ( n = 34) where treatment was continued with same cast. The remaining 28 patients had TPI < 0.6 and were assigned as group 3. Groups were compared in respect of age, initial displacement, cast type, location of fracture, initial and late three-point index values and inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of TPI measurements. Significantly less displacement was seen in group 1 than in group 2 ( P = 0.004). It was found that a 0.1 increase of index value in the initial and late TPIs increases the probability of redisplacement by 5.06 and 7.78 times, respectively. Late TPI, measured 1 week after casting, had better predictive value than the initial TPI with a sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 92.3%, positive predictive value of 70% and negative predictive value of 94.7%. Patients in the grey zone will be able to safely complete the cast treatment with prophylactic recasting without surgical intervention. TPI should be remeasured at the end of first week, as its predictive value becomes more accurate after swelling subsides.

Redisplacement of paediatric distal radius fractures: what is the problem?

PurposeDistal radius fractures represent one of the most common fractures in children. Our purpose is to analyze risk factors for redisplacement in children with distal radius fractures treated by means of closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization.MethodsRetrospective study, including children under the age of 17 years, who underwent closed manipulation and cast immobilization for a distal third radius fracture, between 2012 and 2015. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed for initial translation, angulation and shortening, distance of the fracture from the physis, degree of fracture obliquity and the presence of an ulna fracture. Postoperative radiographs were analyzed for translation, angulation and shortening, as well as the quality of closed reduction. Cast index, gap index and three-point index, were measured on the postoperative radiographs. Redisplacement and re-intervention during follow-up were registered.ResultsA total of 26 patients were included in this study. Comparison between post-reduction and immediate post-cast removal radiographs did not show any statistically significant difference between translation or shortening. Coronal (p = 0.002) and sagittal (p = 0.002) angulation showed a statistically significant difference, but both median values remained below cut-off values for redisplacement. Redisplacement was observed in four patients. Only one patient underwent remanipulation. All four had full remodelling and proper radiological alignment at final follow-up. Quality of reduction was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for redisplacement (p = 0.013).ConclusionClosed reduction and cast immobilization under general anaesthesia yields good results in the treatment of distal forearm fractures in paediatric patients. Quality of reduction was the only risk factor that we found to be predictive of redisplacement.Level of Evidence:Level III – Retrospective comparative study

Analysis of the factors that are important in re-displacement in pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures treated with a spica cast

BackgroundThere is no detailed data on the factors affecting the re-displacement in pediatric femoral fractures treated with closed reduction and early spica casting. This study aimed to investigate the factors effective in re-displacement in pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures (PDFF) treated with spica casting. MethodsIn all, 151 displaced PDFF were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data of the patients were evaluated. Type of fractures, anteroposterior and lateral angulations, amount of shortening, translation ratio, cast index (CI), gap index (GI), and three-point index (TPI) measurements were evaluated radiologically. Thigh flexion angle (TFA) and knee flexion angle (KFA) were measured. After casting, angulation of more than 10° in any plane and a shortening of more than 10 mm was accepted as re-displacement. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of re-displacement. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed for TFA and KFA. ResultsRe-displacement was detected in 40 patients (26.5%). Transverse type fracture (p = 0.001), TFA ˂71.4° (p <0.001), and KFA ˂52.6° (p = 0.002) were found to be statistically significant factors on re-displacement. It was determined that the combination of transverse femoral fracture and TFA ˂71.4° increased the probability of re-displacement by approximately 14 times. It has been observed that indices such as CI, GI, and TPI were not effective in predicting the risk of re-displacement. ConclusionWhen treating a PDFF with spica casting, one should be aware of re-displacement if the fracture type is transverse, TFA is ˂71.4°, and KFA is ˂52.6°. Level of evidenceLevel III, prognostic

Effect of childhood overweight on distal metaphyseal radius fractures treated by closed reduction

BackgroundThe medical community has recognized overweight as an epidemic negatively affecting a large proportion of the pediatric population, but few studies have been performed to investigate the relationship between overweight and failure of conservative treatment for distal radius fractures (DRFs). This study was performed to investigate the effect of overweight on the outcome of conservative treatment for DRFs in children.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of children with closed displaced distal metaphyseal radius fractures in our hospital from January 2015 to May 2020. Closed reduction was initially performed; if closed reduction failed, surgical treatment was performed. Patients were followed up regularly after treatment, and redisplacement was diagnosed on the basis of imaging findings. Potential risk factors for redisplacement were collected and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 142 children were included in this study. The final reduction procedure failed in 21 patients, all of whom finally underwent surgical treatment. The incidences of failed final reduction and fair reduction were significantly higher in the overweight/obesity group than in the normal-weight group (P = 0.046 and P = 0.041, respectively). During follow-up, 32 (26.4%) patients developed redisplacement after closed reduction and cast immobilization. The three risk factors associated with the incidence of redisplacement were overweight/obesity [odds ratio (OR), 2.149; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.320–3.498], an associated ulnar fracture (OR, 2.127; 95% CI, 1.169–3.870), and a three-point index of ≥ 0.40 (OR, 3.272; 95% CI, 1.975–5.421).ConclusionsOverweight increases the risk of reduction failure and decreases the reduction effect. Overweight children were two times more likely to develop redisplacement than normal-weight children in the present study. Thus, overweight children may benefit from stricter clinical follow-up and perhaps a lower threshold for surgical intervention.

Risk Factors for Failure of Cast Treatment in Displaced Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fractures.

As there is a current increasing tendency to treat displaced tibial shaft fractures in adolescents surgically, it has become more important to predict failure of cast treatment for these patients. In the past, redisplacement of pediatric tibial shaft fractures has been reported at rates of 20% to 40%. Although the efficacy of the three-point index (TPI), gap index, and cast index has been demonstrated for upper extremity fractures in children, to date no index has been shown to accurately predict redisplacement for pediatric tibial shaft fractures. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors for redisplacement in pediatric tibial shaft fractures. In all, 157 displaced pediatric tibial shaft fractures were evaluated retrospectively. Patient age, initial and postreduction fracture angulation, shortening and translation, quality of reduction, obliquity of fracture, associated fibular fractures, and 3 indices (TPI, cast index, and gap index) were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the cutoff points and logistic regression was used to show the risk factors of redisplacement. There were 53 female and 104 male patients with a mean age of 9.1 (5 to 15 y) and 45 patients developed redisplacement during the follow-up. Mean TPI and gap index and initial and postreduction fracture translation were higher in patients with redisplacement, while TPI>0.855 and postreduction translation >18% were the only independent risk factors for fracture redisplacement. No differences were observed regarding associated fibular fracture, quality of reduction, initial/postreduction angulation, and shortening. The TPI>0.855 and postreduction translation >18% are independent risk factors for redisplacement of tibial shaft fractures in children. Although the gap index can be useful, the cast index is not an appropriate tool for these fractures.

Factors affecting re-displacement in pediatric forearm fractures and the role of cast indices.

Objectives This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the loss of reduction in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures and to compare the three-point index (TPI) with the cast index, padding index, Canterbury index, and gap index.Patients and methods This retrospective study, which was conducted between January 2016 and December 2016, included 159 patients (134 males, 25 females; mean age 8.1±2.8 years; range, 3 to 13 years) with diaphyseal forearm fracture. Patients’ age, gender, and the level, displacement, and location of the fractures were recorded. The presence of anatomic reduction, a straight ulnar border, and the cast type (banana or box type) were checked after the reduction. The TPI, cast index, padding index, Canterbury index, and gap index were measured.Results Fifty-two patients (32.7%) experienced loss of reduction during the follow-up. Displaced fractures of both the radius and the ulna, cast type-banana, anatomical reduction, straight ulnar border, TPI, cast index, padding index, and Canterbury index were found to be associated with re-displacement.ConclusionAlthough cast indices can be used as a beneficial clinical tool in predicting the loss of reduction in the treatment of pediatric forearm fractures, they may not be sufficient when used alone. Obtaining a more accurate result may be possible by assessing several parameters such as the presence of an anatomic reduction, box-type casting, and TPI together.

Plaster cast treatment for distal forearm fractures in children: which index best predicts the loss of reduction?

Several radiological indices were introduced to evaluate cast adequacy for paediatric distal forearm fractures: cast, gap, padding, Canterbury (reflecting the cast shape and the amount of padding) and three-point indices, and second metacarpal-radius angle (measuring cast ulnar-moulding). The aim of this study is to define which index is most reliable in assessing cast adequacy and predicting redisplacements. Hundred twenty-four consecutive patients (age 5-18) affected by distal both-bone forearm or radius fractures treated with casting were included. These indices and the displacement angles were calculated on the initial radiograph after reduction. Radiographs at 7 and 30 days were taken to assess if the loss of reduction occurred, and measure the displacement deltas (displacement angle at day 30 - displacement angle at day 0). Student's t-test, Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation were used for the statistical analysis. High padding (P = 0.034), Canterbury (P = 0.002) and Cast (P < 0.001) indices showed an association with redisplacements in distal forearm fractures. Both-bone forearm fractures have a higher risk of loss of reduction than radius fractures [odds ratio (OR = 4.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.21-11.3, P < 0.001]. A higher displacement delta in antero-posterior (Pearson's r = 0.418, P = 0.037) and lateral (P = 0.045) views for both-bone fractures showed an association with a high gap Index. Regarding radius fractures, a high cast index is associated with a higher displacement delta in antero-posterior (P = 0.035). The three-point index and the second metacarpal-radius angle did not show any association with the redisplacement risk. Cast oval moulding without excessive padding may prevent redisplacements in paediatric distal forearm fractures, while casts ulnar-moulding does not.

Extracting weather information from a plantation document

Abstract. The authors introduce a method for extracting weather and climate data from a historical plantation document. They demonstrate the method on a document from Shirley Plantation in Virginia (USA) covering the period 1816–1842. They show how the resulting data are organized into a spreadsheet that includes direct weather observations and information on various cultivars. They then give three examples showing how the data can be used for climate studies. The first example is a comparison of spring onset between the plantation era and the modern era. A modern median final spring freeze event (for the years 1943–2017) occurs a week earlier than the historical median (for the years 1822–1839). The second analysis involves developing an index for midsummer temperatures from the timing of the first malaria-like symptoms in the plantation population each year. The median day when these symptoms would begin occurring in the modern period is a month and a half earlier than the median day they occurred in the historical period. The final example is a three-point temperature index generated from ordinal weather descriptions in the document. The authors suggest that this type of local weather information from historical archives, either direct from observations or indirect from phenophase timing, can be useful toward a more complete understanding of climates of the past.

Factors Responsible for Redisplacement of Pediatric Forearm Fractures Treated by Closed Reduction and Cast

Background:Pediatric forearm fractures are still considered an enigma in view of their propensity to redisplace in cast. The redisplacement may be a potential cause for malalignment. We prospectively analyzed the role of risk factors and above casting indices in predicting significant redisplacement of pediatric forearm fractures treated by closed reduction and cast.Materials and Methods:113 patients of age range 2–13 years with displaced forearm fractures, treated by closed reduction and cast were included in this prospective study. Prereduction and postreduction angulation, translation, and shortening were noted. In addition, for distal metaphyseal fractures, obliquity angle was noted. In postreduction X-ray, apart from fracture variables, casting indices were also noted (cast index [CI] for all patients with three-point index [TPI] and second metacarpal radius angle in addition for distal metaphyseal fractures). In 2nd week, X-rays were again obtained to check for significant redisplacement. These patients were managed with remanipulation and casting or were operated if remanipulation failed. Comparison of various risk factors was made between patients with significant redisplacement and those which were acceptably reduced. A subgroup analysis of patients with distal metaphyseal fractures was done.Results:Thirteen (11.5%) patients had significant redisplacement; all of them required remanipulation. No association with respect to age, sex, level of fracture, side of injury, surgeon's experience, number of bones fractured, and injury to definitive cast interval was seen. The presence of complete displacement in any of the plane in either of the bones was seen to be highly significant predictor of redisplacement (P < 0.001). Postreduction angulation more than 10° in any plane in either of the bone and fracture obliquity angle in distal metaphyseal fracture also had a highly significant association with redisplacement. There was a significant difference in the mean values of all three casting indices assessed. TPI was the most sensitive casting index (87.5%).Conclusions:Conservative management with aim of anatomical reduction, especially in patients with complete displacement, should be the approach of choice in closed pediatric forearm fractures. Casting indices are good markers of quality of cast.

Utility of the Three-Point Index in the determination of reduction loss during the conservative treatment of pediatric forearm mid-third fractures.

Forearm fractures constitute approximately 40% of all pediatric fractures. Generally, in conservative treatment,a plaster cast is applied with the elbow in 90° flexion. Success of the treatment depends on theprevention of the reduction in the correct position and suitable duration of the plaster cast. Failure, or the risk of angulation within the cast, is associated with movement within the cast. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the Cast Index (CI) and Three-Point Index (TPI) measurements, which indicate the loss of reduction, in pediatric mid-third forearm fractures. The hypothesis of the study was that as edema decreases and deformity of the plaster cast occurs after fracture reduction, TPI and CI should be examined during follow-up, as they indicate shifting due to movement within the plaster cast. This retrospective study included a total of 48 patients, who were treated with closed reduction and long-arm plaster cast for a mid-third forearm diaphyseal fracture at our Emergency Polyclinic between March and September 2014. The mean age of the patients was 8.15±3.19 years (range, 5-14 years). Patients were excluded from the study if they had isolated radial or ulnar fracture, open fractures, concomitant fracture or systemic disease (bone metabolism disease, etc), and <10° fracture angulation in the ulna and radius on the initial radiograph and if they did not followup. TPI and CI values were calculated on anterioposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs in the Picture Archiving Communication Systems. In the AP plane, compared with TPI values after reduction, statistically significant increases were observed in TPI values 10 days after reduction (p<0.01). However, no significant difference was observed between those with and without reduction loss in TPI values in the AP plane (p>0.05). Although there was a statistically significant increase in TPI values 15 daysafter reduction compared with the values immediately after reduction, a significant difference between those with and without reduction loss was observed only on lateral TPI. In cases of pediatric forearm diaphyseal fracture, ulnar TPI examined in the lateral plane can be used in monitoring the fracture in a plaster cast applied after the reduction.

Objective assessment of plaster cast quality in pediatric distal forearm fractures: Is there an optimal index?

BackgroundSeveral so-called casting indices are available for objective evaluation of plaster cast quality. The present study sought to investigate four of these indices (gap index, padding index, Canterbury index, and three-point index) as compared to a reference standard (cast index) for evaluation of plaster cast quality after closed reduction of pediatric displaced distal forearm fractures. MethodsForty-three radiographs from patients with displaced distal forearm fractures requiring manipulation were reviewed. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, false-positive probability, false-negative probability, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for each of the tested indices. ResultsComparison among indices revealed diagnostic agreement in only 4.7% of cases. The strongest correlation with the cast index was found for the gap index, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.94. The gap index also displayed the best agreement with the cast index, with both indices yielding the same result in 79.1% of assessments. ConclusionWhen seeking to assess plaster cast quality, the cast index and gap index should be calculated; if both indices agree, a decision on quality can be made. If the cast and gap indices disagree, the padding index can be calculated as a tiebreaker, and the decision based on the most frequent of the three results. Calculation of the three-point index and Canterbury index appears unnecessary.

Development and Assessment of a Distal Radial Fracture Model as a Clinical Teaching Tool.

Simulation-based learning is increasingly prevalent in the curricula of many surgical training programs. Newly developed simulators must undergo rigorous validity testing before they are used to assess and evaluate surgical trainees. We describe the development of a model that simulates a distal radial fracture requiring closed reduction and cast application and demonstrate its validity. We developed a model for simulated treatment of a distal radial fracture with use of a modified Sawbones forearm. Ten junior and ten senior orthopaedic residents were videotaped performing a closed reduction and applying a cast on the model. After each procedure, standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the forearm model were obtained. Two blinded orthopaedic surgeons then rated each resident using a task-specific checklist (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills [OSATS]) and a global rating scale (GRS) as well as radiographic measurements of palmar tilt and three-point index. Compared with the junior residents, senior residents had significantly higher OSATS (p < 0.001) and GRS scores (p < 0.001). The groups did not differ significantly with respect to radiographic palmar tilt (p = 0.86) and three-point index (p = 0.43). All residents were able to restore anatomical alignment, with a mean palmar tilt of 9.1°. In addition, the mean three-point index of all residents was acceptable (0.76). There was a strong correlation between OSATS and GRS scores (r > 0.87; p < 0.01). The inter-rater reliability was high (≥ 0.79) for the OSATS, GRS, and radiographic measurements. We developed an educational model that simulates a distal radial fracture requiring closed reduction and cast application. We demonstrated construct validity, as the GRS and OSATS tools were able to differentiate senior from junior residents. We were unable to differentiate trainees using radiographic assessment, as all residents restored anatomical alignment and had comparable three-point index scores.

The value of the three-point index in predicting redisplacement of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in children

Redisplacement is the most common complication of immobilisation in a cast for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in children. We have previously shown that the three-point index (TPI) can accurately predict redisplacement of fractures of the distal radius. In this prospective study we applied this index to assessment of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in children and compared it with other cast-related indices that might predict redisplacement. A total of 76 children were included. Their ages, initial displacement, quality of reduction, site and level of the fractures and quality of the casting according to the TPI, Canterbury index and padding index were analysed. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors for redisplacement. A total of 18 fractures (24%) redisplaced in the cast. A TPI value of > 0.8 was the only significant risk factor for redisplacement (odds ratio 238.5 (95% confidence interval 7.063 to 8054.86); p < 0.001). The TPI was far superior to other radiological indices, with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 97% in successfully predicting redisplacement. We recommend it for routine use in the management of these fractures in children.

Dorsal distal radius fractures in children

The aim of this study was to retrospectively identify the role of plaster in redisplacement of dorsal distal radius fracture in children. A total of 60 children with displaced dorsal distal radius fractures were included in this study. All these fractures were reduced under general anesthesia. A total of 22 redisplacements were observed. Statistical analysis was performed to search for risk factors of redisplacement. Poor modeling immobilization of the wrist in the cast, studied by the three-point index was the only significant risk factors for redisplacement. The three-point index is an excellent index to predict redisplacement and assess the quality of the cast treatment of these fractures. The type of study or level of evidence is therapeutic IV.

Risk of redisplacement after first successful reduction in paediatric distal radius fractures

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of currently available indices for casting in distal radius fractures in children and to identify risk factors associated with displacement. A cohort of 14 patients with redisplacement was compared with a cohort of 41 patients with maintenance of reduction. A significant difference (<0.008) was observed in the three-point index, the degree of comminution (<0.01) and the quality of the initial reduction (<0.003). We recommend careful identification of high-risk factors and appropriate stabilization for potentially unstable fractures at first treatment. Assessment of the three-point index is recommended for judging the moulding technique.

Three-point index in predicting redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults

Three-point index in predicting redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults

Three-point index in predicting redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults

Introduction In distal radial fractures in adults, factors affecting instability have been investigated in many studies in an effort to shorten the preoperative waiting period for the fractures requiring surgery. Numerous factors, aside from the alignment-related indices, have been searched to predict redisplacement. Unlike as in paediatric counterparts, the casting technique and casting-related indices have not been appropriately considered in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the various previously investigated factors in addition to casting technique-related indices such as three-point index, cast index, padding index and gap index, in predicting the risk of redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults and the presence of the ulnar deviation of the cast. Patients and methods Seventy-five patients over 18 years who were treated with a cast in our emergency department within 24 h after a displaced distal radial fracture, were recruited into the study. Age, alignment-related indices, cast-related indices, extent of the ulnar deviation of the cast, having a non-anatomical reduction, co-existing ulnar fracture, dorsal comminution and obliquity of the fracture line were investigated. Casting technique according to three-point index, obliquity of the fracture line, degree of the ulnar deviation of the cast, and reduction accuracy were the significant factors affecting redisplacement. Results The three-point index had a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 96.1%, positive predictive value of 92%, and negative predictive value of 98% in predicting redisplacement. Logistic regression revealed that having an inadequate cast according to the three-point index ( p < 0.001), degree of obliquity of the fracture line ( p = 0.018), decreased ulnar deviation of the cast ( p = 0.002), and having a non-anatomical reduction ( p = 0.029) were the significant predictive factors in redisplacement. Conclusions Our results suggest that the casting technique plays a major role in the success of conservative treatment, which can best be examined with the three-point index. Ulnar deviation of the cast and fracture obliquity are the other dominant factors affecting redisplacement.