Point-of-care ultrasound-guided versus standard reduction of displaced distal radius fractures in the emergency department: a randomised controlled clinical trial.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2025;13(16):56 Emerg Med J . 2023 Nov 28;40(12):826-831.What this means for my practice?
Clinicians should remember that PoCUS-guided reduction of distal radius fractures does not significantly improve first-attempt success or reduce operative treatment compared with standard care, though it may slightly increase procedure time. These findings suggest limited benefit for routine PoCUS use in this setting. A key limitation is that the trial may have been underpowered to detect smaller but potentially clinically relevant differences.
Study Summary
Two hundred eleven patients with displaced distal radius fractures were randomized to receive standard closed reduction (n=105) or point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) - guided reduction (n=106). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring more than one reduction attempt. Secondary outcomes included adequacy of alignment on radiographs, time to complete reduction, and the need for operative repair at discharge. Outcomes were assessed at the time of ED management and discharge. Overall, the study found that more than one reduction attempt was required in 12% of the standard group versus 6% of the PoCUS group, but this was not statistically significant. PoCUS reductions took slightly longer, and rates of operative repair were similar (16% vs 20%). The study suggests that PoCUS does not significantly improve first-attempt success in distal radius fracture reductions.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics
Or upgrade today and gain access to all OrthoEvidencecontent for as little as $1.99 per week.
Already have an account? Log in
Are you affiliated with one of our partner associations?
Click here to gain complimentary access as part your association member benefits!
0 of 4 monthly FREE articles unlocked
