Automated decision support for Hallux Valgus treatment options using anteroposterior foot radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the potential utility of deep learning with subsequent image analysis to automate the measurement of hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles from radiographs to serve as a preoperative aid in establishing hallux valgus severity for clinical decision-making. AIM: To investigate the accuracy of automated measurements of angles of hallux valgus from radiographs for further integration with the preoperative planning process. METHODS: The data comprises 265 consecutive digital anteroposterior weightbearing foot radiographs. 181 radiographs were utilized for training (161) and validating (20) a U-Net neural network to achieve a mean Sørensen-Dice index > 97% on bone segmentation. 84 test radiographs were used for manual (computer assisted) and automated measurements of hallux valgus severity determined by hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal angles (IMA). The reliability of manual and computer-based measurements was calculated using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Inter- and intraobserver reliability coefficients were also compared. An operative treatment recommendation was then applied to compare results between automated and manual angle measurements. RESULTS: Very high reliability was achieved for HVA and IMA between the manual measurements of three independent clinicians. For HVA, the ICC between manual measurements was 0.96-0.99. For IMA, ICC was 0.78-0.95. Comparing manual against automated computer measurement, the reliability was high as well. For HVA, absolute agreement ICC and consistency ICC were 0.97, and SEM was 0.32. For IMA, absolute agreement ICC was 0.75, consistency ICC was 0.89, and SEM was 0.21. Additionally, a strong correlation (0.80) was observed between our approach and traditional clinical adjudication for preoperative planning of hallux valgus, according to an operative treatment algorithm proposed by EFORT. CONCLUSION: The proposed automated, artificial intelligence assisted determination of hallux valgus angles based on deep learning holds great potential as an accurate and efficient tool, with comparable accuracy to manual measurements by expert clinicians. Our approach can be effectively implemented in clinical practice to determine the angles of hallux valgus from radiographs, classify the deformity severity, streamline preoperative decision-making prior to corrective surgery.

Relationship between Optimism, Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in Elderly People with Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the presence of numerous problems in osteoarthritis, e.g., the presence of one or more chronic diseases, reduced self-esteem and reduced ability to cope, patients must undertake readaptation activities. In such circumstances, resources that are necessary for optimal adaptation become of particular importance. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of behavioral resources, namely self-efficacy and optimism, on quality of life perception in early-old-age patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted using recognized research tools: the Index of Severity for Knee Disease, Life Orientation Test, General Self-Efficacy Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life BEFF. The study involved 300 people aged between 60 and 75 years old, including 150 patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis and 150 people without diagnosed joint and muscular diseases of the lower limbs. Non-parametric tests (e.g., Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficient) were used for the statistical analysis of the results, assuming a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The level of the examined personal resources was significantly lower in the group of people with gonarthrosis (p < 0.001), among whom low self-efficacy and a tendency toward pessimism prevailed. The results in terms of the level of lower limb joints impairment among the respondents correlated significantly and negatively with self-efficacy (r = -0.239; p = 0.003) and dispositional optimism (r = -0.318; p < 0.001). A higher level of the studied psychosocial resources led to a more favorable assessment of quality of life (p < 0.001) and own health (p < 0.001). In addition, a higher sense of self-competence was associated with better quality of life in the psychological (p = 0.044), social (p < 0.001) and environmental (p < 0.001) domains, while a tendency toward optimism was associated with higher quality of life perception in the social domain (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It would seem to be reasonable to introduce a routine diagnosis, assessing the level of personal capabilities of elderly people with knee osteoarthritis, which may have a beneficial effect on their perception of their quality of life and their own health.

The Impact of Chronic Pain, Stiffness and Difficulties in Performing Daily Activities on the Quality of Life of Older Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes a number of physical ailments, which result in the deterioration of a persons' general health and reduction of their ability to move freely. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the impact of physical ailments in the course of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) on the quality of life (QoL) of patients in early old age. An anonymous survey was conducted by the use of the recognized research tools: Western Ontario scale and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), The Index of Severity for Knee Disease (ISK) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BEFF (WHOQOL-BREF). The study involved 300 people aged between 60 and 75 years old, including 150 patients diagnosed with gonarthrosis and 150 people without lower limb complaints. The significant intensification of the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis was associated with a worse assessment of health (p < 0.001), overall quality of life (p < 0.001) and in the following domains: physical (p < 0.001), mental (p < 0.001) and environmental (p < 0.001) in a group of patients with KOA. These findings suggest that taking measures to reduce knee pain and improve function may have an impact on improving the overall quality of the life of people in their early old age.

Pre-emptive analgesia with methylprednisolone and gabapentin in total knee arthroplasty in the elderly.

The aim of this study is to assess whether administration of gabapentin and methylprednisolone as "pre-emptive analgesia" in a group of patients above 65 years of age would be effective in complex pain management therapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred seventy patients above 65 years were qualified for the study, with exclusion of 10 patients due to clinical circumstances. One hundred sixty patients were randomly double-blinded into two groups: the study group (80 patients) and the control group (80 patients). The study group received as "pre-emptive" analgesia a single dose of 300 mg oral (PO) gabapentin and 125 mg intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone, while the control received a placebo. All patients received opioid and non-opioid analgesic agents perioperatively calculated for 1 kg of total body weight. We measured (1) pain intensity level at rest (numerical rating scale, NRS), (2) life parameters, (3) levels of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis, C reactive protein CRP), and (4) all complications. Following administration of gabapentin and methylprednisolone as "pre-emptive" analgesia, the NRS score at rest was calculated at 6, 12 (p < 0.000001), 18 (p < 0.00004) and 24 (p = 0.005569) h postoperatively. Methylprednisolone with gabapentin significantly decreased the dose of parenteral opioid preparations (p = 0.000006). The duration time of analgesia was significantly longer in study group (p < 0.000001), with CRP values lower on all postoperative days (1, 2 days-p < 0.00001, 3 days-p = 0.00538), and leukocytosis on day 2 (p < 0.0086) and 3 (p < 0.00042). No infectious complications were observed in the first postoperative days; in the control group, one patient manifested transient ischemic attack (TIA). The use of gabapentin and methylprednisolone as a single dose decreased the level of postoperative pain on the day of surgery, the dose of opioid analgesic preparations, and the level of inflammatory parameters without infectious processes.

The effect of pre-operative high doses of methylprednisolone on pain management and convalescence after total hip replacement in elderly: a double-blind randomized study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess whether administration of a single dose of methylprednisolone in the group patients above 65 years of age will be effective in complex analgesic management after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Seventy-seven patients above 65 years old were double-blind randomized into two: the study and controls groups. Pre-operatively, the study group received as a single dose of 125 mg intravenous methylprednisolone, while the others saline solution as placebo. Peri-operatively, all the patients were administered opioid and nonopioid analgesic agents. We measured the levels of inflammatory markers (leukocytosis, C-reactive protein-CRP), pain intensity level (visual analog scale-VAS; numerical rating scale-NRS), the life parameters, and noted complications. RESULTS: Following administration of methylprednisolone were significantly lower levels of CRP on all the four post-operative days; leukocytosis on the second day; the VAS/NRS score at rest after six, 12, and 18 hours post-operatively, diminished the dose of parenteral opioid preparations (oxycodone hydrochloride), the duration of analgesia by peripheral nerve block was significantly higher as compared with the placebo group (p < 0.000001). No infectious complications were noted; there was one patient who developed post-operative delirium. CONCLUSION: A single dose of methylprednisolone significantly reduces the level of post-operative pain at rest on the day of THA in the group patients above 65 years of age, decreases the dose of opioid analgesic agents, and significantly decreases the level of inflammatory markers, without infectious processes.

Multiple Glomus Tumors in the Left Foot of 41-year-old Woman. A Case Report.

Glomus tumors are very uncommon neoplasms arising from glomus bodies. They differ in the proportion of components, i.e. smooth muscle tissue, vessels and glomus cells. The most common location of this kind of tumor is the subungual area of digits. In other locations, glomus tumors are very rare but have been reported, among others, in bone, lungs, trachea and stomach. Glomus tumors are often misdiagnosed because of diverse clinical presentations. They can be asymptomatic, may lead to cosmetic discomfort, but clinical presentation often involves pain, tenderness and cold hypersensitivity. We present a case of multiple glomus tumor in the foot of a 41-year-old woman. After several surgical consultations, she had been referred for further surgery including possible ampu-tation, which she declined. Simultaneous multiple excisions of the tumors resulted in complete symptomatic relief. This case confirms that glomus tumors should be considered in a patient with multiple lesions producing ex-cruciating pain.

Percutaneous Transosseous Suture Fixation of the Akin Osteotomy and Minimally Invasive Chevron for Correction of Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was evaluation of the clinical and radiologic outcomes and complications following the minimally invasive chevron procedure employing the Akin osteotomy with percutaneous transosseous suture as compared to screw fixation. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2019, the authors performed 103 minimally invasive chevron (MIC) with Akin osteotomies. In 54 patients, the Akin osteotomy was performed with screw stabilization (group A), and in 49 with percutaneous transosseous suture (group B). Preoperatively and 1 year later, the authors employed anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing radiographs of the feet to evaluate interphalangeal angle (IPA), distal phalangeal articular angle (DPAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and functional result using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. Furthermore, all additional procedures and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of the value of HVA (group A: from 34.1° to 14.0°, group B: from 33.6° to 13.0°), DPAA (group A: from 12.1° to 4.0°, group B: from 11.5° to 3.4°), PPAA (group A: from 4.6° to 1.7°, group B: from 4.3° to 1.5°), IMA (group A: from 15.1° to 8.0°, group B: from 14.7° to 7.5°) and IPA (group A: from 14.1° to 6.3°, group B: from 12.9° to 5.1°). Functional improvement as measured using the AOFAS scale was achieved in both groups (group A: from 42 to 90 points, group B: from 40 to 89 points). No cases of bone nonunion or delayed union and permanent damage to the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve were seen. Two group B patients underwent conversion of the fixation of the Akin osteotomy to screws, 3 patients had their MICA screws and 1 Akin screw removed in the outpatient setting. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive chevron osteotomy with transosseous suture stabilization of the Akin osteotomy was a safe method with good functional results that were comparable to the outcomes achieved when using screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Non-weightbearing compared with weightbearing x-rays in hallux valgus decision-making.

OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of weightbearing x-ray imaging on clinical decisions in hallux valgus. Weightbearing (WB) x-ray is standard imaging for symptomatic hallux valgus (HV). In our clinical practice, often patients are presenting with non-weightbearing (NWB) x-rays. Repeated imaging requires additional radiation, justified only if expected to benefit patient's treatment. In this study, the influence of WB status on radiological HV parameters and on clinical decisions was analyzed. METHODS: In the dataset of WB and NWB x-rays, the hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured and differences analyzed. Clinical decisions for 10 x-ray pairs were studied among 40 respondents. RESULTS: The WB and NWB HVA difference ranged - 16 to 16° (p < 0.001) and IMA - 3.4 to 5.8° (p < 0.001). In only 45% of cases, the decisions based on NWB and WB imaging were consistent (kappa (95% CI) = 30.0 (23.7-36.3)). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical decisions based on WB and NWB radiographs vary significantly. NWB films overestimate early and underestimate advanced HV deformity. Repeating radiographs is justified in patients presenting with NWB radiographs of symptomatic HV.

Comparison of the Type of Fixation of Akin Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND:: The objective of the study was to assess the influence of the type of fixation of the Akin osteotomy when used during hallux valgus surgery. METHODS:: Between 2013 and 2016, we performed 138 Akin osteotomy procedures employing a staple (group A, 43 patients), screw (group B, 47 patients), and single or double transosseous suture stabilization (group C, 48 patients). We assessed the pre- and postoperative interphalangeal angle (IPA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on dorsoplantar and lateral foot weightbearing x-rays and used the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for preoperative and 12-month postoperative follow-up clinical assessment. All the complications and costs of implant usage were recorded. RESULTS:: In all the groups, the average HVA (A: from 33.4 to 13.1 degrees; B: from 32.8 to 14.1 degrees; C: from 31.9 to 12.9 degrees), IMA (A: from 14.4 to 7.2 degrees; B: from 13.9 to 6.9 degrees; C: from 14.5 to 7.1 degrees), and IPA (A: from 12.1 to 5.6 degrees; B: from 11.7 to 6.0 degrees; C: from 12.5 to 5.9 degrees) decreased. The average AOFAS score improved in groups A (from 45 to 91 points), B (from 42 to 90 points), and C (from 42 to 91 points). We observed 1 recurrence after the single-tunnel suture fixation, 1 prominent screw, and 1 staple soft tissue irritation. We did not find a delayed union or nonunion. CONCLUSION:: The suture fixation of the Akin osteotomy provides results comparable to other forms of stabilization. The procedure is cost saving and helps to avoid hardware-related complications. Despite the type of bunion surgery used, fixation of the Akin osteotomy with suture was as good as more expensive and potentially more complicated fixation methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Results of Scarf Osteotomy Without Implant Fixation in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: The main goal of the study was to evaluate the costs, clinical and radiologic results, and complications of hallux valgus surgery using scarf osteotomy, depending on the type of fixation (with or without screws). METHODS: We evaluated 169 patients who underwent scarf osteotomy between January 2013 and August 2016. The patients were separated into 3 groups depending on the type of stabilization: A, 2 screws (50 patients); B, modified with 1 screw (55 patients); C, modified without implant (64 patients). We assessed duration of surgery, additional procedures, pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on anteroposterior and lateral foot weightbearing radiographs, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for the clinical assessment preoperatively and at the 12-month follow-up. We recorded all the complications and compared the costs between the groups. RESULTS: Both the average HVA (A: from 33.7 to 12.6 degrees, B: 35.0 to 13.2 degrees, C: 34.7 to 12.4 degrees) and IMA (A: from 14.9 to 7.5 degrees, B: 15.2 to 6.9 degrees, C: 15.5 to 7.8 degrees) decreased in all groups without significant intergroup differences. The average AOFAS score improved in all the groups (A: from 40 to 88 points, B: 38 to 89 points, C: 42 to 91 points). A similar complication rate was observed (A: 9%, B: 10%, C: 11%). In group C, we noted a shorter time of surgery, and the procedure was the most cost-effective. CONCLUSION: Scarf osteotomy without implant stabilization was faster and cost-effective and gave comparable results. It was technically demanding and required patient compliance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

EFAS Score - Multilingual development and validation of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) by the score committee of the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS).

BACKGROUND: A scientifically sound validated foot and ankle specific score validated ab initio for different languages is missing. The aim of a project of the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) was to develop, validate, and publish a new score(the EFAS-Score) for different European languages. METHODS: The EFAS Score was developed and validated in three stages: (1) item (question) identification, (2) item reduction and scale exploration, (3) confirmatory analyses and responsiveness. The following score specifications were chosen: scale/subscale (Likert 0-4), questionnaire based, outcome measure, patient related outcome measurement. For stage 3, data were collected pre-operatively and at a minimum follow-up of 3 months and mean follow-up of 6 months. Item reduction, scale exploration, confirmatory analyses and responsiveness were executed using analyses from classical test theory and item response theory. RESULTS: Stage 1 resulted in 31 general and 7 sports related questions. In stage 2, a 6-item general EFAS Score was constructed using English, German, French and Swedish language data. In stage 3, internal consistency of the scale was confirmed in seven languages: the original four languages, plus Dutch, Italian and Polish (Cronbach's Alpha >0.86 in all language versions). Responsiveness was good, with moderate to large effect sizes in all languages, and significant positive association between the EFAS Score and patient-reported improvement. No sound EFAS Sports Score could be constructed. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-language EFAS Score was successfully validated in the orthopaedic ankle and foot surgery patient population, including a wide variety of foot and ankle pathologies. All score versions are freely available at www.efas.co.

Intra-articular pathologies associated with chronic ankle instability.

Chronic ankle instability causes intra-articular lesions, which may lead to secondary degenerative changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the ankle arthroscopy for the evaluation and treatment of intra-articular pathologies associated with chronic ankle instability. Between January 2013 and March 2016, 25 anterior ankle arthroscopies with modi ed anatomic Broström-Duquennoy-Tourne lateral ankle ligaments reconstructions were performed. In arthroscopy all patients (100%) had some intra-articular pathologies: 75% synovitis or so tissue scarring, 19% - deep chondral defect, 56% - superficial chondral lesion, 52% - osteophytes, 24% - bony or avulsion fragments, 20% - loose bodies. All intra-articular pathologies were treated during procedure. In conclusion, it is recommended to perform anterior ankle arthroscopy in addition to lateral ankle ligament reconstruction to diagnose and treat intra-articular lesions.

Preemptive Local Anesthesia in Ankle Arthroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Complex anesthesia is increasingly used in order to reduce postoperative pain and accelerate rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preemptive local anesthesia combined with general or spinal anesthesia in ankle arthroscopy. METHODS: From January 2014 to February 2016, 80 ankle anterior arthroscopies were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups, depending on the type of anesthesia: A, general and local preemptive; B, spinal and local preemptive; C, general and placebo; D, spinal and placebo. After general or spinal anesthesia, each patient randomly received an injection of 7 mL of a mixture of local anesthetics or the same amount of normal saline. After 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48, and 72 hours following the release of the tourniquet, the pain intensity level was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS). The use of additional analgesics and any adverse effects were also noted. RESULTS: Preemptive local anesthesia (groups A and B) resulted in a significantly lower level of pain intensity during the first 24 hours after surgery. Until 8 hours after the release of the tourniquet, the pain intensity level was statistically lower in the groups A, B, and D in comparison to C. During hospitalization, none of the patients from groups A and B received on-demand ketoprofen intravenously. No side effects of local anesthetic agents were observed. Two patients had transient numbness and paresthesia in the field of sensory nerve innervation of the dorsal intermediate cutaneous nerve of the foot. CONCLUSION: Preemptive operative site infiltration with a mixture of local anesthetics performed in ankle arthroscopy was a safe procedure. It reduced the level of intensity of postoperative pain and the amount of analgesics used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prospective randomized study.

[Effectiveness and safety of intra-articular use of hyaluronic acid (Suplasyn I-Shot) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis]. / Skutecznosc dzialania i bezpieczenstwo preparatu Suplasyn 1-Shot w leczeniu choroby zwyrodnieniowej stawów kolanowych.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. The changes in the lubricating properties of synovial fluid lead to significant pain and loss of function. Viscosupplementation, in which hyaluronic acid (HA) is injected into the knee joint, has evolved into an important part of our current therapeutic regimen in addressing the patient with knee pain due to OA. Intra-articular HA has proven to be an effective, safe, and tolerable treatment for symptomatic knee OA. In an effort to limit cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal safety concerns with COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs and maximize HA efficacy, it is even proposed using HA earlier in the treatment paradigm for knee OA and also as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Our study reconfirmed effectiveness and safety of intra-articular use of hyaluronic acid (Suplasyn) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

[The impact of the type of anesthesia on postoperative pain after surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity]. / Oddzialywanie rodzaju znieczulenia na stopien nasilenia bólu pooperacyjnego po korekcji operacyjnej deformacji koslawej palucha.

BACKGROUND: Different kind of anesthesia are used in hallux valgus surgery e.g general and spinal anesthesia, peripheral blocks (sciatic, femoral, ankle), patient controlled analgesia (PCA), multimodal anesthesia and preemptive local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia can play a key role in postoperative pain control. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of different types of anesthesia in reduction of postoperative pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the years 2009-2015,260 hallux valgus surgeries were performed using chevron, scarf, Mitchell-Kramer or Kramer method. Depending on the kind of anesthesia, patients were assigned to one of the five groups: group A--general, group B--spinal, group C--general with local preemptive, group D--spinal with local preemptive, group E--sciatic (popliteal) block. The level of postoperative pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) in 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery. Regardless of the type of anesthesia each patient received three doses of 1000 mg paracetamol, two doses of 100 mg ketoprofen and at the request 7.5 mg morphine sulphate intravenously. During discharge from the hospital followed a day after surgery each patient received a prescription for 325 mg paracetamol + 37.5 mg tramadol hydrochloride . All adverse effects of anesthesia and drugs were reported. RESULTS: During the first 24 hours average pain intensity measured by VAS was increased in group A compared to others (p < 0.05). Between 8 and 24 hours, a similar relationship was observed in group B compared to C, D and E (p < 0.05). At the second and third day after surgery the differences in VAS were not statistically significant. In groups C, D and E we observed decreased use of 7.5 mg morphine sulphate on demand and 325 mg paracetamol + 37.5 mg tramadol hydrochloride. In two patients of group A and one in group B dizziness and nausea after use of 325 mg paracetamol + 37.5 mg of tramadol hydrochloride were noted. Two patients in group B and one of group D had incident of bradycardia. Three patients of group A and C had nausea and vomiting. We did not observe side effects of injected solution of local anesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive local anesthetic infiltration combined with general or spinal anesthesia and sciatic (popliteal) block are more effective than isolated general and spinal anesthesia in reducing the level of postoperative pain after hallux valgus surgery. They are also associated with decreased number of complications and reduction of applied analgesics.

[The influence of the local preemptive anesthesia on postoperative pain after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures].

Background: Severe postoperative pain is one of the causes of prolonged hospitalization, rehabilitation and complications after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures. Preemptive local anesthesia is effective in reduction of postoperative pain in general surgery, neurosurgery, gynecology and orthopedic surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the role and effectiveness of preoperative local anesthetic infiltration of the surgical site in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures under general anesthesia. Material and Methods: 88 patients with acute distal radius intra-articular and unstable fractures were randomly assigned to receive preoperative infiltration of the surgical site with a mixture of local anesthetic agents or with saline. We measured the time from the fracture to surgery and intensity of pain at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the release of the tourniquet using a visual analogue scale (VAS). We noted all the side effects and the requirement for intravenous (IV) rescue analgesia. From analysis of chart review of their follow up visits at 2, 6 and 12 weeks we obtained DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score, ROM (Range of Motion) of the wrist and grip strength of the hand. Results: The level of postoperative pain measured by the VAS scale decreased significantly during first 24 hours after surgery in the study group in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.05). We observed a positive correlation between the time elapsed between the fracture and surgery and the average VAS score in the study group. Chart review of follow up visits at 2, 6 and 12 weeks revealed significant decreased DASH score at 2 weeks and significant increased wrist flexion and extension at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Six patients from the control and three subjects from the experimental group used rescue analgesia. We did not observe any side effects of the drugs. In one patient from the control group, we noted complex regional pain syndrome in late follow-up. Conclusion: Preemptive local anesthesia is effective in reduction of postoperative pain after ORIF of distal radius fractures within first 24 hours. The effectiveness of preemptive local anesthesia decreases with the time elapsed between the fracture and operation. It is safe and reduces the use of rescue analgesia.