INTRA-ARTICULAR FRACTURES OF DISTAL RADIUS;

Abstract

Objective: To assess the radiological and functional outcome of external fixator inthe treatment of intar-articular fractures of distal radius. Study design: Descriptive case series.Place and duration of study: Orthopaedic unit District Headquarter Hospital Temargarha LowerDir from March 2013 to March 2014. Material and methods: Twenty five patients of intra-articularfracture distal radius fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated with AO external fixator byligamentotaxis. Preoperative and postoperative radiograph measurements were taken of radialinclination, radial tilt, and radial length, and fractures were classified according to the AO system.The fixator was removed after 6-8 week and functional assessment was done using Gartland andWerely point system at monthly interval for six months. Results: Eighteen male (72%) and 7(28%)females mean age 43.1 years with intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with externalfixator. Preoperative mean radial inclination(10.5 degree) radial tilt(29 degrees dorsal) and radiallength(6.3 mm) were reported postoperatively as 18.8 degrees,8 degrees volar and 10 mmrespectively at final follow up visit. The functional evaluation by Gartland and Werley's pointsystem reported excellent (60% patients) ,good(20%) and fair(12%) at final follow up visit. One(4%) patient could not achieve union while one (4%) malunion was reported. Conclusions:Bridging external fixator(static) yields excellent radiological and functional results in majority ofintra-articular distal radius fractures.