The Radiographic Quality of Distal Radius Fracture Reduction Using Sedation Versus Hematoma Block.

Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are treated in the emergency department (ED) with a closed reduction in order to decrease neurovascular and soft tissue injury and as a first definitive step in conservative treatment. The type of anesthesia used may affect the ability to reduce the fracture and remains controversial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of radiographic reduction achieved in the ED of DRF reduced using sedation anesthesia to those reduced with hematoma block anesthesia.