Effectiveness of clinical estimation of bone union in hand fractures: a preliminary report
Abstract
was observed, down to 0.6 at 4 weeks. Radiological assessment at 4 weeks showed a lack of consolidation of the fracture in 8 patients and at 8 weeks in 4. Despite this, all patients demonstrated normal function of the hand and all returned to normal daily activity and to work. The results of this study demonstrate that clinical assessment of phalangeal or metacarpal fracture healing based on the lack of pain in reaction to applying pressure on the fracture site is a better and more reliable method than radiological estimation which shows bone union significantly later. The proposed clinical assessment allows patients a significantly earlier normal use of the affected hand.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.855
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