Abstract
Distal radial fracture is the most common fracture of upper extremity in all age group. In recent years, fixation with distal radial locking plate and external fixator both have become widely accepted modalities for treating unstable distal radial fracture. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of unstable distal radial fracture (AO/OTA 2.3B2 to C3) treated by internal and external fixations. Sample size was60 with (AO/ OTA 2.3-B2 to C3) fracture as per set criteria and was treated either by distal radial locking plate or by external fixator. Quick DASH Score was used for evaluation of functional outcome of surgery. Out of 60 patients, male (75%) were more than female (25%), maximum age incidence was found in 46-55 years age group (31.7%), right side involvement was 68.3% and left side was 31.7%. Over 66% incidence was due to RTA. Type of injury was 11.7% B2, 18.3% B3, 43.3% C1, 20.0% C2 and 6.7% C3. External fixation was 58.3% and internal fixation was 41.7%. Mean ± SD duration of operation was 39.14 ± 7.017 minutes in external fixation group and 92.80 ± 21.703 minutes in internal fixation group. Functional outcome was75.9% good and 17.2% excellent in external fixation group and 52.2% good and 34.8% excellent in fixation with distal radial locking plate group according to Quick DASH Score. Postoperative complication like soft tissue infection 34.3% and delayed union 25.7% and wrist stiffness 74.3% was in external fixation group and in internal fixation group, patients had suffered from soft tissue infection 32% and wrist stiffness 56%. No patient had non-union. Mean ± SD radiological union time in external fixation group was 16.53 ± 5.386 weeks and in internal fixation group was 16.67 ± 5.264 weeks. After 12 months of surgery both external fixation and locked volar plating provide good to excellent clinical outcomes.
Highlights
In adult population distal radius fractures are the common fractures (Court-Brown and Caesar, 2006)
Odd numbers were allocated to external fixation group and even numbers were allocated to internal fixation group
Total 60 patients admitted in the department of orthopedic surgery, aged from 18 years to 65 years with both gender diagnosed as AO/OTA 2.3-B2 to C3 fracture, treated either by external fixation (35 patients) or by internal fixation (25 patients) were studied
Summary
In adult population distal radius fractures are the common fractures (Court-Brown and Caesar, 2006). The total incidence of distal radius fractures is 24 and 32 per 10,000 people per year . Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures of upper limb. It comprises 15% of all extremity fractures. It comprises 15% of all extremity fractures3 Increasing incidence of these injuries may be attributed to an ageing population (Osteoporotic fractures) and the growing participation in outdoor pursuits (higher energy fractures) 4. Two-third of these fractures are displaced and they require \
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