Combined ligamentotaxis and kirchner wires fixation for intraarticular fractures of the distal radius

ABSTRACT

Forty-two unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with primary external fixator augmented with Kirschner wires fixation. An external fixator was inserted between the radius and the second metacarpal, and ligamentotaxis was maintained for 4 weeks. A supervised physiotherapy regimen was started from day one postoperative. The external fixation was removed at 4 weeks and Kirschner wires were removed at an average of 7.1 weeks. Seventy patients were females and 25 were males, with an average age of 47.3 years. In 39 patients [92.9%] the anatomical result was good or excellent, but three fractures healed with malunion. All patients made a satisfactory functional recovery, at a mean follow-up of 28 months after injury. None had pain in the wrist and all were satisfied with the result. The average grip strength was 96% of normal. External fixation supplemented with Kirschner wires fixation with early removal of the external fixator and mobilization is an effective method for the treatment of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures. It could give better functional results than the use of an external fixator alone