In this episode of OrthoJOE, Mo and Marc discuss 2 recent RCTs on distal radial fractures, discuss the increased interest in “cost-effectiveness” studies, debate the value of performing new RCTs on topics that have already been covered extensively in the literature, and emphasize the need for orthopaedic surgeons to “own the bone” when treating distal radial fractures, which should be viewed as a sentinel event for investigating overall bone health. Notes: • RCTs on common injuries (e.g., distal radial fractures) involve a huge amount of work, and their findings are often predicted by previous studies • “Cost-effectiveness studies” are increasingly popular, with submissions doubling every 18 months. • Orthopaedic surgeons must “own the bone” when treating distal radial fractures, which should be seen as a sentinel event for investigating overall bone health. Links: • Ludvigsen T, Matre K, Gudmundsdottir RS, Krukhaug Y, Dybvik EH, Fevang JM. Surgical Treatment of Distal Radial Fractures with External Fixation Versus Volar Locking Plate: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2021 Mar 3;103(5):405-414. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.20.00275. PMID: 33369985. JBJS link. • Rajan PV, Qudsi RA, Dyer GSM, Losina E. The Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures: A Computer Model-Based Evaluation of Three Operative Modalities. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018 Feb 7;100(3):e13. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.17.00181. PMID: 29406347; PMCID: PMC6819022. JBJS link.