Pain Perception During the Phases of Manual Reduction of Distal End Radius Fracture With a Periosteal Block

Introduction Closed reduction is an effective method of treatment for distal end radius fractures. We present a case series of patients with distal end radius fractures who underwent closed manipulative reduction using the periosteal block. We describe the technique in detail and examine its efficacy in pain lowering effect during closed reduction. Methods Nineteen patients with distal end radial and ulnar fractures were included and grouped based on the Frykman classification. The reduction was performed using a periosteal block of 10 ml of 2% lignocaine injection. The severity of pain was recorded by utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) in five phases: 1) before injection, 2) after 15 minutes of analgesia in a resting position, 3) during minimal motion, 4) during full manipulation and reduction, and 5) post-procedure. The VAS scoring was classified as painless (VAS score of 0), mild pain (VAS score between 1-3), and painful (VAS score of 4 and above). Results The study included 19 patients [median age of 53 years (range: 18-88 years)]; there were 11 (58%) males and eight (42%) females. The mechanism of injury was a fall (n=12, 63%) or a motor vehicle accident (n=7, 37%). There was a statistically significant reduction of pain between phase one and all the other phases. Between the different fracture configurations, there was no significant difference in pain reduction. The most painful phase was expected to be phase four, ie, during full manipulation, in which four (21%) patients had a VAS score of 0, 12 (63%) patients had a VAS score between 1-3, and three (16%) patients had a VAS score of 4. Thus, 16 out of 19 patients (84%) had no or minimal pain during the most painful phase. There were no complications from the periosteal blocks. Conclusions The periosteal nerve block is an effective procedure providing satisfactory analgesia during the reduction of distal radial and ulnar fractures. It has no side effects and is free from complications associated with conventional sedation.