title: [Fractures of the lower extremity in the emergency room. Analysis of a new immobilization and x-ray splint].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractures of the lower extremity are a common reason for presentation to an emergency room. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new immobilization and x-ray splint (Andante®, ForMed) in the emergency room.
  
  
  METHODS
  From April 2010 to August 2010 all patients presenting with a fracture of the lower extremity were included in the study. Pain perception (visual analog scale; VAS) was measured before and after splint application. The handling of the splint during radiography was assessed and the quality of the diagnostic x-ray was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study comprised 61 patients. Subjective pain perception was reduced significantly (3.96±1.9 vs. 6.38±2.2; p<0.001). The handling of the splint was graded at 1.73±0.96 (1, very good; 5, poor). There was no difference in the diagnostic quality of the x-rays between the Andante® and the control group; however, significantly poorer results were found for x-rays of ankle fractures (p<0.038).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Andante® splint is a useful tool in the emergency room that combines simple handling and pain relief due to immobilization. However, the quality of the diagnostic x-rays was not better compared with the control group.
authors: BG Klinik Tübingen. tkraus@bgu-tuebingen.de
authors: T M
authors: TM
authors: Kraus
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Kirchhoff
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Martetschläger
authors: K F
authors: KF
authors: Braun
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Siebenlist
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Ganslmeier
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Stöckle
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Freude
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D056888:Patient Positioning; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013165:Splints; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
chemical_list: D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate