Functional outcome in treatment of distal radius fractures using external fixator

Abstract

Introduction and Background: Fractures involving the distal end of radius are one of the frequently encountered injuries in orthopaedics. Conventionally the fractures were treated with closed reduction and immobilization with casts. Even though union of these fractures occurs, it has very high incidence of going in for malunion and joint disability and instability especially those with comminution & intra articular extension. Moreover there is a changing trend in the age group, seen more commonly in the younger age group as a result of Road traffic accidents & trauma, leading to complicated fractures especially with intra articular extension & comminution. Over past few years, the importance of alignment correction, preservation of normal radial length and reconstruction of congruity of radiocarpal and radioulnar joints has been emphasized. Anderson and O’ Neil, were the first to introduce the use of external fixation in the treatment of these fractures. Since then there is a trend to use external fixators in management of these fractures as they give improved results both functionally as well as improved anatomic reconstruction. To be safe, effective and to give improved results the fixator chosen should be easy to use, allow re -reduction, low rate of complications and should be stiff enough to maintain the alignment. With better understanding of the principles of external fixation, this procedure has become an indispensable tool in the management of intra articular distal end of radius fractures.