Anaesthesia for treating distal radial fracture in adults
There was insufficient evidence to establish the relative effectiveness of different methods of anaesthesia, different associated physical techniques or the use of drug adjuncts in the treatment of distal radial fractures. There is, however, some indication that haematoma block provides poorer analgesia than intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA), and can compromise reduction.
Fracture of the distal radius (wrist) is a common clinical problem, particularly in women with osteoporosis. Anaesthesia is usually provided during manipulation of displaced fractures or during surgical treatment. This review asssessed the evidence for the relative effectiveness of the main methods of anaesthesia (haematoma block, intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA), regional nerve blocks, sedation and general anaesthesia) as well as associated physical techniques and drug adjuncts used during the management of distal radial fractures in adults.
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