We would like to invite you to take part in a research study investigating two treatments for wrist fracture. Before you decide to participate in the study we would like you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve for you.

You have sustained a fracture of the ‘distal radius', which is the largest of the bones that form the wrist joint. Some fractures of the distal radius can be treated in a plaster cast. However, other fractures of the distal radius are ‘displaced’ and need to be manipulated back into their original position. After the manipulation the broken bones need to be held in position while they heal. The purpose of this study is to compare two different treatments to hold the bones in position to find out which is best for patients who have sustained a displaced fracture of the distal radius, such as yourself. We don’t know which treatment is better for you.   

If you decide you would like to be involved in the research study you will then be allocated to either receive a moulded Plaster Cast or a K-wire fixation after the manipulation of your fracture. The treatment you receive will be allocated using a computer. You have the same chance to be entered in the Plaster Cast group and K-wire group. 

Read more about the difference in treatments here.