"Supracondylar Radial Nerve Block Guided by Ultrasound Versus Hematoma Block for Analgesic Management in Closed Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures"

Non-surgical treatment with closed reduction and immobilization using a splint or cast is the preferred approach for stable distal radius fractures, particularly in elderly patients. It is also the initial intervention for displaced fractures with a surgical indication before the procedure, aiming to reduce edema, manage pain, and prevent associated complications. However, the maneuvers required for bone reduction can cause significant pain, and there is still insufficient evidence to favor one anesthetic method over another. In recent years, there has been a trend toward utilizing local methods, such as hematoma block or ultrasound-guided supracondylar block of the radial nerve, due to their lower incidence of complications. Nonetheless, there are currently no studies comparing the efficacy of these two analgesic approaches. This study aims to compare the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided supracondylar block with that obtained through hematoma block in patients with distal radius fracture during closed reduction, using the Numeric Rating Scale. Additionally, it aims to compare the quality of the reduction through radiographic measures and assess the frequency of adverse events after the two interventions.