Table 3 Outcome of patients in both groups
Cast bracing group (n = 34) | Intra-medullary nailing group (n = 34) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
Clinical Outcome | |||
Duration of hospital stay (days) Mean ± SD | 4.2 ± 4.8 days | 6.1 ±5.1 days | 0.1185* |
Time to union Mean ± SD | 23.1 ± 8.5 | 21.3 ± 11.1 | 0.4557* |
Time to return to work (weeks) Mean ± SD | 25.6 ± 7.3 | 17.6 ± 9.8 | 0.0003* |
Out-patient visits Mean ± SD | 9.7 ± 1.7 | 6.2 ± 1.3 | 0.0001* |
Radiological Outcome | |||
Varus/valgus angulation (degrees) Mean ± SD (Range) | 5.1 ± 3.4 (1-15) | 3.7 ± 2.9 (0-15) | 0.0723* |
Antero-posterior angulation (degrees) Mean ± SD (Range) | 4.9 ± 5.5 (2-30) | 3.2 ± 3.8 (0-20) | 0.1429* |
Limb length discrepancy (mm) Mean ± SD (Range) | 6.6 ± 4.6 (0-18) | 4.3 ± 4.7 (0-8) | 0.0454* |
Final Functional Outcome | |||
Functional outcome Excellent (n, %) Good (n, %) Fair (n, %) Poor (n, %) | 3 20 8 3 | 5 19 6 4 | 0.829** |
Gait following treatment Normal Mild limp Significant limp | 21 7 4 | 28 4 2 | 0.374** |
Able to squat | 30 | 31 | 1.00** |
Able to run | 19 | 21 | 0.662** |
Additional procedure needed Bone grafting Re-reduction Fibulectomy Nail removal | 3 5 1 0 | 4 0 2 5 | 1.000** 0.053** 1.000** 0.053** |