OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of the manipulation reduction combined with small splint fixation for the treatment of fresh closed fracture of radius for shorten hospital stays and reduce medical cost.

METHODSFrom July 2007 to December 2009, 200 patients (ranged the age from 40 to 80 years) with distal radius comminute fracture were treated and divided into CP group (including 21 males and 79 females, with a mean age of (62.98 +/- 0.85) years), and control group (including 20 males and 80 females, with a mean age of (63.19 +/- 0.88) years). All patients were treated manipulation reduction combined with small-splint fixation, control group removed small-splint 30 days after treatment, CP group removed 25 days after treatment. Two groups were checked by X-ray and took traditional chinese medicine (taking Yuanhu tablets, Chuangshangning tablets on the early stage; Guixiangzhenggu pill was taken on the middle stage; Shuanglongjie gu pill on the late stage), functional exercise was guided after removing of small splint. The condition of reduction and position of bone were evaluated and Gartland-Werlley scale was used to evaluate the function of wrist joint.

RESULTSTreatment time in CP group was decreased from (30.08 +/- 3.06) to (25.06 +/- 1.07) days; treatment cost in CP group was decreased from (2 100.00 +/- 332.12) to (1 644.00 +/- 125.20) Yuan. There was no significant difference in reduction and function recover of wrist joint between two groups. The results showed the effects of TCM clinic can be promised.

CONCLUSIONClinical pathway for outpatient can promote standardization of outpatient, short treatment time less medical economic burden, and worth widely used.