Dynamic external fixator in treatment of distal radial fractures

ABSTRACT

In this study the results of operative treatment of twenty two patients with fractures of the distal radius by dynamic external fixator. Many of the fractures were due to fall onto the outstretched hand [13 patients or 59% of the cases]. Fourteen patients were males [63.6%]. The average age at the time of operation was 43.9 years; the age varies between 22 years to 63 years old. All our patients except one were operated upon within the first week of trauma with a mean time of 4.5 days. Evaluation of the patients was according to the comprehensive classification of fractures of long bones [Muller et al 1990][1], their were three patients type A 2-2, two patients type A 2-3, four patients type A 3-3, five patients type B 3-2, three patients type B 3-3, three patients type C 1-2 and the last two patients were type C 3-2. After an average follow-up of 13.32 months [range between 9 to 24 months]. The final results were assessed both clinical and radiological. Nine cases were excellent, nine good, two fair and the last two patients were poor according to the modified system of green and O'Brien 1978[2]. The fair and poor results occurred mainly in type C fractures which characterized by involvement of the articular cartilage