A Retrospective Study of Drugs Prescribed During Conservative Management of Isolated closed Fracture of Upper Limb in a Tertiary care Hospital

Background: Fractures are common presentation in the emergency department. Patient related factors and site of fracture play an important role in planning the management of fracture pain. This study was done to assess drugs prescribed during conservative management of closed isolated upper limb fractures. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The case records of patients who visited the tertiary care hospital with closed isolated fracture of upper limb following trauma and were managed conservatively was analysed. The results were expressed as percentage. Results: Out of the 100 patients, 79 were adults and 21 children. Pain score was recorded in 83% of the patients. All patients received analgesics. The commonly prescribed oral analgesic in children and adults were ibuprofen (85.71%) and aceclofenac (60.75%), respectively. The commonly used opioid was tramadol, orally as well as parenterally, in both adults and children. Analgesic combinations accounted for 62.8% of the total analgesics prescribed. Propofol-fentanyl was commonly used during fracture reduction. Conclusion: Initial assessment of pain contributes to adequate management of acute pain. Use of analgesics and early reduction significantly reduce pain and improve outcome.