J Korean Fract Soc.  2002 Apr;15(2):258-263. 10.12671/jksf.2002.15.2.258.

External fixation of distal radius fracture

• Kim DW
• Kim MK

• KMID: 1999407
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2002.15.2.258

Abstract

PURPOSE: In the treatment of an unstable intraarticular distal radius fracture, we report the result of a retrospective study of reduction maintaining effect of external fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
During the period from May 1996 to May 1999, 19 patients 20 cases with AO type C2, C3 distal radius fracture were treated by external fixation and followed-up for 2 years or longer. Six had AO type C2 fracture, and fourteen type C3. We evaluated immediate postoperative & follow-up radiological evaluation by volar tilt, radial inclination, radial length difference. As combined treatment, additional reduction maintaining effect of bone graft or internal fixation was evaluated also. RESULT: Mean reduction loss of 2 years or longer follow-up after external fixation was volar tilt 7.2 degrees, radial inclination 4.3 degrees, radial length 3.1 mm. As additional reduction maintaining effect, internal fixation had statistically significant effect(p <0.05)-especially radial length maintenance, but bone graft not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
In unstable intraarticular distal radius fracture, after open reduction or bone graft etc. for intraarticular anatomic reduction, we consider external fixation or combined internal fixation for reduction maintenance.

Keyword

Distal radius; Unstable intraarticular fracture; External fixation

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Radius Fractures*
Radius*
Retrospective Studies
Transplants