Abstract
Back Ground : The primary goals of distal radius fracture fixation are to put the pieces back where they belong and, most importantly, to do so by a method that does not compromise hand function. Displaced comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius are difficult to treat successfully by traditional nonoperative methods. Thus, external fixation plays a very distinct role. External fixator is simple and inexpensive. Displaced, severely comminuted intraarticular fractures should be treated with an external fixator. It effectively stabilises fractures yet allowing for hand and prevents stiffness. AIM: To studythe functional outcome and complications following external fixation for comminuted intral articular fractures of distal radius. Material And Methods : Thirty adult patients with closed comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were treated by closed reduction and immobilization with an external fixator during 2 year period (September 2017 to July 2019) Six weeks later, the fixator was removed. The patients then were observed for an average of 6 months to 1year. Results: An excellent outcome was seen in 5 patients (17%) good outcome in 17 patients (57%) and a fair outcome in 7 patients (23%) and poor outcome in 1 patient (3%). Minor complication, pin tenderness were present but recovered completely after removal of the fixator. Conclusion: External fixation appears to have benefits that outweigh associated complications and, as such, make it an attractive treatment option for fractures of the distal radius that require surgical treatment Keywords: Radial Inclination, Radial Length, Road Traffic Accident, Triangular fibrocartilage, Triangular fibrocartilage complex, Ulnar Variance, Volar tilt
Highlights
Treatment of displaced fractures of the distal end of the radius has changed over the course of time
20% of all fractures that are treated in emergency departments involve the distal end of the radius and have a bimodal age distribution, with the adolescent or young adult and elderly populations being the most affected
Many fractures of the distal aspect of the radius are relatively uncomplicated and are effectively treated with closed reduction and immobilization in a cast
Summary
Treatment of displaced fractures of the distal end of the radius has changed over the course of time. In the past, closed reduction with immobilization in a plaster cast was considered the treatment of choice. 20% of all fractures that are treated in emergency departments involve the distal end of the radius and have a bimodal age distribution, with the adolescent or young adult and elderly populations being the most affected. About 50% of metaphyseal fracture of the distal aspect of the radius have involvement of the radiocarpal and/or distal radioulnar joint. Many fractures of the distal aspect of the radius are relatively uncomplicated and are effectively treated with closed reduction and immobilization in a cast. Fractures that are either unstable and/or involve the articular surfaces can jeopardize the integrity of the articular congruence and/or the kinematics of these articulations. The goal of the treating doctor should be to restore the functional anatomy by a method that does not compromise hand function
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