OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effect of anatomic shape bracket splints designed by 3D-MAX software.

METHODSHealthy adult volunteers' forearms and wrist data were measured and processed by 3D-MAX software. Then we designed and made anatomic shape bracket splints. Totally 60 distal radial fracture patients were equally assigned to the test group and the control group. After manual reduction, patients in the test group used anatomic shape bracket splints, while those in the control group used common splints. The palmar dip angle, ulnar fleet angle, and radius height of standard X-ray in normal and lateral positions were measured after treatment, at 1, 3, and 6 week after treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, the incidence of complications was recorded during the whole treatment process.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the palmar dip angle and ulnar fleet angle were larger in the test group after one week of treatment (P < 0.05). The radius height of the treatment group was higher after one, three, and six weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence of complications was obviously less in the test group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAnatomic shape bracket splints designed by 3D-MAX software fit local anatomic features and need no more shaping. Its easier use with lesser complications could maintain the stability of bone fracture better.