Fracture Distal Radius
Un-displaced
Futura splint, Broad arm sling. Advice on finger, elbow and shoulder exercises.
Refer Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC).
Satisfactory position- potentially unstable
Futura splint/ POP backslab, analgesia
Refer VFC
Obvious deformity Back slab. Refer Ortho On-call.
Epiphysis fracture lower radius
Acceptable position (ask advice if necessary)
As for undisplaced distal radius fracture.
Displaced Refer Ortho On-call.
“Off ended” fractures of the distal radius
Discuss with ED senior re reduction in ED prior to referal to Ortho On-call.
Buckle/Torus fracture distal radius or ulna
Futura splint/ Tubigrip.
ED Review Clinic 10-14 days.
Fracture scaphoid on X-ray
Scaphoid POP/ Futura splint with thumb extension.
Refer VFC.
Tenderness over scaphoid but scaphoid x-rays show NO fracture
If other evidence of a fracture - eg swelling, restriction of movement, tenderness of scaphoid tubercle Futura splint with thumb extension.
Review Clinic in 10-14 days
If just tenderness, without other signs Tubigrip or Futura splint
Review Clinic in 10-14 days
Fracture radial styloid (usually undisplaced)
Futura splint. Refer VFC.
Small "chip" fractures eg of triquetrum or ulna styloid
Symptomatic treatment e.g. Tubigrip/ Futura splint.
Review Clinic in 10-14 days.
Other carpal injuries Ask advice
Beware dislocations around the Lunate and at the Metacarpal bases
Do not treat simple soft tissue injuries in a Futura splint.
