Treatment of intrarticular distal radius fractures with external fixation

Objective: To evaluate the treatment results of radius distal intra-articular fractures with external fixation. Material and Methods: Between November 1997-October 2006, 46 radius distal intra-articular fractures of 43 patients were evaluated retrospectively. All the fractures were treated with closed reduction and external fixation. The patients were evaluated functionally and radiologically on April 2007. Results: According to AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen) classification, 3 (6.52%) of 46 were type B, 43 (43.98%) were type C. Three of the fractures were open. Mean external fixation application time was 7.3 weeks (4-16). Mean follow-up time was 55.4 months (6-114). Functionally 12 (26.9%) excellent, 16 (34.78%) good, 16 (34.78%) fair, 2 (4.65%) bad results were obtained. Anatomically 5 (10.87%) excellent, 30 (65.22%) good, 9 (19.56%) fair, 2 (4.35%) bad results were obtained. Totally 24 (52.7%) complications were faced up. Fifteen (32.6%) reflex sympathetic dystrophia, 9 (19.56%) pain in the distal radioulnar joint, 4 (8.7%) joint stiffness, 3 (6.5%) pin tract infection were observed. In some cases more than one complication could be observed. In some cases sensory disturbances and pin tract sensitivity were observed but after the removal of the fixator they all recovered. Conclusion: Treatment of radius distal intra-articular fractures with external fixation is a successfull treatment modality. Studies with longer follow-up and comparative studies are needed.