Distal radius fracture (DRF) is among the most common fractures of the long bones, which comprise one sixth of all fractures. Due to its high prevalence, effect on patients’ everyday life, and cost on national health resources, its proper management is very important. we performed this prospective randomized clinical trial on 100 patients with DRFs. 50 patients were treated in each group either by short or long arm cast. Patients were visited during the 6th and 18th weeks after the reduction regarding loss of reduction and possible complications. There were no significant differences between groups regarding age, gender and the type of fractures. In long arm cast group the range of elbow flexion and extension and forearm supination and pronation were significantly lower than the short arm cast that were decreased along the time. There was no significant difference regarding the stability of distal radio ulnar joint. Numbers of wounds and blisters in long arm cast group were significantly more than the other group. There was no malunion, nonunion, carpal tunnel syndrome and compartment syndrome in any patients. According to this short-term study, short arm cast with three-point molding provides adequate therapeutic result in A2-OTA type fracture with low cost and good acceptability.
