Treatment of Fracture of the Distal Radius by External Fixator

Moon, Eun Sun; Rhym, Inn Soo; Park, Jae Hyung; Lee, Seung Gi

Abstract

Fractures of the distal radius represent the most common fractures of upper extremity and treatment remains challenging. Recently, more extensive therapeutic method is represented for reduction and maintenance of distal radius unstable fracture. Twenty patients, 21 cases of distal radius fracture treated by external fixator between June, 1991 and September, 1995 were followed by more than one year to evaluate the correlation between anatomical and functional results. To assess the functional results, we used Green and OBriens system which scores subjective and objective findings. Grip power ratio was checked with Jamar dynanometer. To assess the anatomical results, volar tilt, radial inclination and radial length were measured. Frykmann type VIII and Universal type IV C fractures are most common form(7 cases, 33%) in our study. The more severe form of fracture of distal radius, the less score in funtional results. There was a little loss of velar tilt, radial inclination and radial length on last follow-up radiographs. In radiographic parameters, radial length showed significant correlation with ulnar deviation(p=0.002). In complication, sudek atrophy(2 cases), ulnar nerve entrapment symptom(1 case), and writing problem(1 case) was seen, but not serious. We concluded that external fixation in distal radius fracture is one of the treatment method expecting good result without serious complication.