Role of Vitamin C in Prevention of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Patients with Distal End of Radius Fractures

Dr. Sachin Joshi, Dr. Ekaansh Karir, Dr. Ankur Agarwal, Dr. Kartik Arya, Dr. Aakash Bansal

Abstract: Introduction: Fractures of the distal radius are now easily recognized and are the most common fracture of the upper extremity fractures, making up at least one-sixth of fractures encountered in the emergency department. This study aims to investigate whether Vitamin C is useful in decreasing the incidence of CRPS in patients with distal end of radius fractures treated conservatively. Method: In a double-blind, prospective study, 150 patients were randomized into two groups, one given a placebo and the other given Vitamin C 500 mg once a day for 6 weeks. They were evaluated at Day 0, 7, 28 and 42. Results: The prevalence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome was 2.7% in the Vitamin C group and 13.3 % in the placebo group. Out of the affected patients, 83.3% were women and 16.7% were men. Conclusion: This supports our hypothesis that Vitamin C given daily for 6 weeks in patients with distal end radius fractures reduces the incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Keywords: Vitamin C, Distal End Radius Fractures, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Colles Fractures, DASH Score