Unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius: management with external fixator / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius with external fixator.Methods 28 patients with unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius were treated with external fixators. 19 cases of them were fixed with K wires and bone graft was used in 4 patients with severe bone defect.Results The patients were followed up for an average period of 10.11 months. According to modified Mcbride grading, 25 patients showed excellent or good results with the excellent and good rate being 89.28% . Conclusion It is difficult to reduce unstable fracture of the distal end of the radius with close reduction. Redisplacement is frequent for plaster cast and is not reliable in maintaining reduction. These fractures should be treated with early open reduction. External fixation plus reasonable exercises taken after the operation is one of the good treatments and good results can be predicted. The most important factors affecting final outcome include radial shortening and reduction of articular surface.