Radiological Assessment and Functional Outcomes of Hand and Wrist in Patients with Distal End Radius Fractures

Abstract

Background: Fractures of distal end of radius are the most common fractures among the patients treated at emergency rooms. Despite a considerable progress in medical field over the last several years, distal end of radial fracture outcomes seem to be unsatisfactory in fairly large number of cases. The aim of this study was to determine the functional outcome of hand and wrist after distal end of radius fractures managed by different treatment modalities, to determine the complications of each methods used for treatment of distal end of radius fractures, to compare anatomical outcome with functional outcome after management of fracture distal end of radius. Methods: A clinical, observational, prospective type of study was carried out on 40 cases with fractures of distal end of radius. The fractures were classified according to AO classification. After initial evaluation patients were taken up for either conservative or operative treatment. All the cases were followed up and assessed for minimum of 6 months. Patients with complications were followed up more frequently. Results: Anatomical results were evaluated according to Sarmiento’s modification of Lindstrom Criteria. Clinical and functional results were evaluated according to demerit point system of Gartland and Werley with Sarmiento modification Conclusions: There is direct relationship between anatomical result and functional outcome. Therefore, every effort should be made to restore normal length and alignment, as well as articular surface congruency of distal radius. Keywords: Distal end of radius, Demerit point system of Gartland and Werley with Sarmiento modification, Sarmiento’s modification of Lindstrom Criteria, Functional evaluation