Costs and health-related quality of life of non-operative and surgical treatment modalities for displaced distal radius fractures: a comprehensive overview based on the CAST study

The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with three treatment modalities for common displaced distal radius fractures (DRFs): (1) non-operative treatment, (2) direct plate fixation and (3) delayed plate fixation in case of fracture redisplacement during follow-up.

A cost and HRQoL analysis was performed based on data collected during the CAST study, a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial including adult patients with a displaced DRF, randomized between immobilization with a plaster splint or circumferential cast. Included patients were prospectively followed for one year. Operatively treated patients also continued questionnaire follow-up. From a societal perspective, healthcare costs, patient and family costs, and indirect (i.e. productivity) costs were collected. Patients completed questionnaires on HRQoL (EQ-5D-5 L), healthcare consumption and work productivity.