[Fractures of the Lower Extremity in the Emergency Room. Analysis of a New Immobilization and X-ray Splint]

Overview

Journal Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed

Specialties Critical Care
General Medicine

Date 2013 Mar 8

PMID 23467759

Citations 1

Authors

T M Kraus

C Kirchhoff

F Martetschlager

K F Braun

S Siebenlist

A Ganslmeier

U Stockle

T Freude

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Fractures of the lower extremity are a common reason for presentation to an emergency room. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new immobilization and x-ray splint (Andante®, ForMed) in the emergency room.

Methods: From April 2010 to August 2010 all patients presenting with a fracture of the lower extremity were included in the study. Pain perception (visual analog scale; VAS) was measured before and after splint application. The handling of the splint during radiography was assessed and the quality of the diagnostic x-ray was evaluated.

Results: The study comprised 61 patients. Subjective pain perception was reduced significantly (3.96±1.9 vs. 6.38±2.2; p<0.001). The handling of the splint was graded at 1.73±0.96 (1, very good; 5, poor). There was no difference in the diagnostic quality of the x-rays between the Andante® and the control group; however, significantly poorer results were found for x-rays of ankle fractures (p<0.038).

Conclusion: The Andante® splint is a useful tool in the emergency room that combines simple handling and pain relief due to immobilization. However, the quality of the diagnostic x-rays was not better compared with the control group.

Citing Articles

[Pearls and pitfalls for the treatment of tibial head fractures].

Kraus T, Freude T, Stockle U, Stuby F Orthopade. 2016; 45(1):24-31.

PMID: 26733121 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-015-3206-9.

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