2014 OTA Annual Meeting: Efficacy of Postoperative Pain Control After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation: A Prospective Randomized Study

40 patients with acute distal radius fractures and undergoing surgical fixation were randomly allocated to brachial plexus blockade (BPB) or general anesthesia (GA), with the purpose of determining which method offers better pain control. BPB provided better pain relief in the immediate postoperative period (<2 hours), while general anesthesia (GA) demonstrated greater pain control at 12 and 24 hours post-surgery. Consumption of percocet, average total pain medication used, and overall patient satisfaction were similar between groups, but BPB patients used significantly less fentanyl and morphine in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU), and required less time in the PACU.