Clinical Study of Intra-articular Fracture of Distal Radius

Kang, Eung Shick; Kang, Ho Jung; Lee, Kwang Cheol

Abstract

The treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal radius is difficult and has various problems. Maximum recovery of wrist function is dependent on accurate and stable reduction of the radial articular surface. We analysed one hundred and five cases of intra-articular fracture of distal radius followed for more than 6 months at Yonsei University from January 1980 to September 1988 and studied the result according to the type of treatment. The results of this study were as follows; 1. The incidence was high in female who aged over 6th decade, and in male who is active aged. 2. The main cause of this injury was fall down(34.3%). 3. In a group of closed reduction and cast immobilization, the functional result was satisfactory in 45.4%. 4. In a group of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, the functional result was satisfactory in 50%. 5. In a group of open reduction and internal fixation, the functional result was satisfactory in 83. 3%. 6. In a group of external fixation, the functional result was satisfactory in 33.3%. 7. Overall result was mainly correlated with initial severity of the injury and anatomical reduction of the intra-articular surface.