ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: 3D printing external fixation fixture can make individualized external fixation scheme for fracture patients and is easy to wear. Zicao oil (a Chinese traditional medicine oil) for trauma treatment has the effect of reducing swelling and removing blood stasis to assist the rehabilitation treatment of fracture. The combination of the two could benefit the rehabilitation of patients with fracture conservative treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application value of the 3D printed orthopedic cast combined with Zicao oil in the treatment of distal radial fracture, hoping to provide a basis for the further study of a combined Chinese and western medicine treatment scheme for the recovery of wrist function after distal radius fractures. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with distal radial fracture were selected and randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the trial group received 3D-printed cast combined with Zicao oil treatment after manual reduction. Patients in the control group received traditional splint cast combined with Zicao oil after manual reduction. The Jakim scoring for distal radial fracture treatment, as well as pain degree, swelling degree, wrist range of motion, grasping ability and deformity degree were evaluated and compared 2 weeks after removal of external fixation in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The excellent and good rate was 94% in the trial group and 78% in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). (2) At 2, 4, 8 and 14 days after treatment, the scores of wrist range of motion and visual analogue scale were significantly better than those before treatment (P < 0.01). At different time points after treatment, the scores of wrist range of motion and visual analogue scale in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). (3) The swelling degree of the trial group was better than that of the control group 2, 4, 8 and 14 days after treatment (P < 0.05). (4) The results show that 3D printed cast combined with Zicao oil is effective in the treatment of distal radius fracture, can effectively improve the function of wrist joint, reduce the pain of patients and improve the quality of rehabilitation.