Topology-Optimized Splints: A Novel Approach for Management of Distal Radial Fractures

The most frequent orthopaedic injury is a distal radius fracture (DRF), which usually happens from falling on an outstretched hand. Depending on the patient's age, activity level, fracture stability, and fracture displacement, the course of treatment may involve either nonoperative or operative measures. Risk factors such as age and gender mean that older women and boys or young men are more likely to develop DRF.[1] With the ever-advancing world, there is a burden of responsibility on all of us in the medical world to look for better and possibly more technological methods to treat our patients.

One such randomized controlled trial did just that by showing the efficacy of topology optimization technology in splint design, making the subsequent casts much more breathable, lighter, safer, stronger, and environmentally friendly.[2] [3] These features were put to the test against its more traditional counterpart, “casts.” And the results showed that the three-dimensional topology-optimized splints had a significantly lower Gartland–Werley score as compared with casts, better dorsiflexion, less complains of distal radioulnar joint pain, superior reductions in joint swelling, and a lower incidence of skin irritation.[2] Not only did they reduce patient illness but also their illness's duration, significantly lowering anxiety as well.[2]

Such novel techniques are at the cornerstone of what a good physician is supposed to provide the patients, not only choosing the optimum mode of treatment for one's patients but also reduce their period of illness, focusing on overall functionality and quality of life. Further research should be conducted as this could change the approach in treating conservative DRF fractures in the future.

Authors' Contribution

M.T. and M.H.A.K. contributed equally to the study.

Publication History

Received: 10 February 2024

Accepted: 01 May 2024

Article published online:
04 June 2024

• References

• 1 MacIntyre NJ, Dewan N. Epidemiology of distal radius fractures and factors predicting risk and prognosis. J Hand Ther 2016; 29 (02) 136-145
• 2 Ma H, Ruan B, Li J. et al. Topology-optimized splints vs casts for distal radius fractures: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7 (02) e2354359
• 3 Zolfagharian A, Gregory TM, Bodaghi M, Gharaie S, Fay P. Patient-specific 3D-printed splint for mallet finger injury. Int J Bioprint 2020; 6 (02) 259 Erratum in: Int J Bioprint September 17, 2020;6(4):309