Haematoma block in reduction of distal radial fractures

A total of 35 patients who presented in the Accident and Emergency Department of University College Hospital with displaced distal radial fracture between January 2000 and March 2001 had reduction of the fracture under haematoma block using 10ml of 2% lignocaine. There was significant reduction of the pain following infiltration of the fracture site with lignocaine and significant pain reduction during manipulation compared to pain score at presentation. All the patients had satisfactory reduction of the fracture. The fracture was mobilised in Plaster of Paris 6 weeks in patients with Collens' fracture and 3 weeks in patients with distal radial epiphyseal injury. All patients had good range of movement at 8 weeks after removal of Plaster of Paris and patients expressed satisfaction with this method. We recommend the use of Haematoma block for patients of 15 years and above with displaced distal radial fracture in the Accident and Emergency Department.