Treatment for Unstable Distal Radius Fracture with Osteoporosis: Internal Fixation versus External Fixation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes of volar plating to that of external fixation for treating unstable osteoporotic distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2008, 36 patients with osteoporosis over 60-year old were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups; group I (open reduction and internal fixation with volar fixed angle plate) and group II (closed reduction and external fixation). Clinical outcomes and radiologic outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between group I and group II in range of motion and DASH score, BMD score. However, the grip strength and PRWE score were found to be higher in group II (p<0.05). In radiologic evaluation, group I showed higher radial inclination, volar tilting angle (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation using Volar-fixed Angle Plate seems to give more stable fixation for distal articular fragments compared to external fixation. it could allow early postoperative exercise and could result in low incidence of postoperative complication such as pin track infections and joint stiffness. Therefore, the internal fixation could be more desirable treatment method to manage unstable distal radius fracture.