Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures under Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet

Objective: The use of wide awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) is becoming an excellent alternative for elective and minor trauma hand surgeries. While the usage of WALANT for some soft tissue surgeries has become the state of the art, data regarding bony procedures, such as fracture management under WALANT is limited. The aim of our study is to provide a description of the WALANT technique for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures.

Patients and Methods: Five patients with displaced distal radius fractures were enrolled in the study. WALANT anesthesia was carried out about 30 minutes prior to the first incision. Surgery was performed in the normal fashion and fractures were fixated using anatomic locking plates. Post-operatively, patients were admitted overnight for observation and pain assessment, and were discharged within 24 hours post-operatively. Intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Follow-up was performed in our Outpatient Clinic. No abnormalities were recorded.

Results: All patients underwent a successful painless surgery. Extra bleeding and other complications were not recorded.

Conclusion: The WALANT technique offers a simple and safe alternative to traditional anesthetic techniques for open reduction and plating of distal radius fractures