Comparison of Digit Pain between the Water Hyacinth Finger Trap and Steel Wire Finger Trap in Closed Reduction of Distal End Radius Fractures

Abstract

Background: Most of distal end radius fractures can be treated conservatively. Standard treatment involves closed reduction with finger trap contraption and traction with weight. Steel wire finger traps are widely used. Problems are observed significant pain and skin abrasions after reduction. Objective: To find out if finger traps made from water hyacinth could reduce digit pain in closed reduction of distal end radius in comparison to conventional steel wire finger trap. Materials and Methods: Prospective randomized control trial was performed on distal end radius fracture patients. Two groups were blinded randomly assigned to either group. VAS scores were recorded at 1 and 10 minutes after application. Results: 40 patients were enrolled. Demographic data showed no significant differences between groups. Water hyacinth finger trap group showed significantly lesser VAS pain score at both 1 minute and 10 minutes after application of weighted traction. The change in VAS pain score was also less observed in water hyacinth group. The satisfactory score was also significantly better in the water hyacinth group. Conclusion: Water hyacinth finger trap is a reliable reduction tool in distal end radius fracture. Pain is significantly reduced with better satisfaction score in comparison to the conventional steel wire finger trap. © JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND| 2022