Operative Treatment of Unstable Fracture of Distal Radius

Kim, Bu Hwan; In, Jong In; Chung, Hee Yeong; In, Yong Kyun

Abstract

Fracture of distal radius represent the most common fractures of upper extremity. Recently, distal radius fractures are recognized as very complex injuries with a variable prognosis according to the fracture type and the treatment. Because unstable distal radius fractures have a high incidence of secondary displacement and shortening, they are not amenable to the traditional methods of closed manipulation. We classified distal radius fractures by Fernandez classification and analysed thirty-six cases of fractures followed up more than one year at Dae-Dong Hospital from March 1993 to September 1994 after ORIF with T-plate. The result were as follows: 1. ORIF of unstable fracture of distal radius with small T-plate, selective bone graft using volar approach, 81% of the patients had a rating of good or excellent by the modified scoring system of Green and OBrien. 2. Severely comminuted fractures as Fernandez type V necessitated additional fixation such as external fixator. 3. Femandez classification based on the mechanism of injury was helpful in planning the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures.