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- Talk
- UK
Changing Clinical Practice: Scaphoid Fracture Management after the SWIFFT Trial
Description
This transcript captures a session from the British Orthopedic Association where Daniel Perry and Professor Joe Dias discuss the SWIFFT study's findings in relation to the treatment of scaphoid fractures. Daniel introduces Joe Dias, who emphasizes the need to translate clinical study findings into practical patient advice within fracture clinics. Joe outlines the SWIFFT study, which examines the effectiveness of surgical fixation versus casting for specific scaphoid fractures. He highlights the study’s pragmatic approach, focusing on common disorders and patient outcomes. Joe discusses the barriers to credibility for clinicians, including exclusion criteria and relevant outcome measures.
The SWIFFT trial findings indicate no significant difference in recovery outcomes between the two treatment approaches, with low nonunion rates observed in both groups. However, he points out the increased surgical complication rates associated with fixation. Joe stresses the importance of patient understanding and shared decision-making based on displacement categories of the fractures: less than 1 mm, between 1 and 2 mm, and greater than 2 mm. He concludes that for many patients, especially those with lesser displacement, non-operative treatment is just as effective and carries fewer risks. The session ends with a discussion on the implications of these findings and the importance of patient engagement and education.