Editing Distal radius fracture (section)

====Undisplaced fractures====
For those with low demand, cast and splint can be applied for two weeks. In those who are young and active, if the fracture is not displaced, the patient can be followed up in one week. If the fracture is still undisplaced, cast and splint can be applied for three weeks. If the fracture is displaced, then manipulative reduction or surgical stabilisation is required. Shorter immobilization is associated with better recovery when compared to prolonged immobilization. 10% of the minimally displaced fractures will become unstable in the first two weeks and cause [[malunion]]. Therefore, follow up within the first week of fracture is important. 22% of the minimally displaced fractures will malunite after two weeks. Subsequent follow ups at two to three weeks are therefore also important.<ref name="Court-Brown 2015"/> There is weak evidence to suggest that some children with a buckle fracture may not require cast immobilization.<ref name="Handoll et al 2018"/>

Where the fracture is undisplaced and stable, nonoperative treatment involves immobilization. Initially, a backslab or a sugar tong splint is applied to allow swelling to expand and subsequently a cast is applied.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Court-Brown 2015"/> Depending on the nature of the fracture, the cast may be placed above the elbow to control forearm rotation. However, an above-elbow cast may cause long-term rotational contracture.<ref name="Court-Brown 2015"/> For [[torus fracture]]s, a splint may be sufficient and casting may be avoided.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestbets.org/bets/bet.php?id=1009|title=BestBets: Is a cast as useful as a splint in the treatment of a distal radius fracture in a child}}</ref> The position of the wrist in cast is usually slight flexion and ulnar deviation. However, neutral and dorsiflex position may not affect the stability of the fracture.<ref name="Court-Brown 2015"/>