ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the efficacy of minimally invasive treatment by combination of external fixation with limited internal fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods From September 2003 to September 2007,43 patients with unstable distal radius fractures were treated with external fixation combined with Kirschner wire fixation. According to AO classification,there were 10 cases of C1,21 cases of C2,and 12 cases of C3. Two external fixation clamp stand screws were inserted into the dorsal radius in operation,then external clamp stand was fixed when manipulative reduction were performed after C-arm perspective. The broken bones were sledged by Kirschner wire when articular facet and bone block were not peaceful and could not achieve reduction by traction. When the bone block was instable,a Kirschner wire fixation was needed. Bone graft through a limited incision were performed for bone defect if necessary. Results All of the 43 cases achieved anatomical reduction after the operation. The mean operaton time was 62.4 min (range from 43 to 121 min). And the mean intraoperative blood loss was 15.3 ml (ranged from 6 to 30 ml). The patients were discharged from hospital in 3 to 14 days with a mean of 5.5 days. After being discharged,they were followed up for 6 to 24 months (mean,12 months),during which,re-examination showed bone union and improved articular activities in all the cases. According to the Dienst scale system,30 patients achieved excellent,8 were good,and 5 were fair. The rate of excellent and good results was 88.4% (38/43). Conclusion External fixation combined with limited internal fixation is a simple,reliable and effective method for treatment of the unstable distal radius fractures.