Authors: J Arora A C Malik
Publish Date: 2005/09/01
Volume: 125, Issue: 8, Pages: 536-540
Abstract
Introduction External fixation has been extensively used to treat the intraarticular fractures of the distal radius and it has several distinct advantages over conventional POP cast and plate fixation However the limitation of external fixation to achieve articular congruity in the comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius has been documented in the literature This could be because external fixation alone does not expand crushed cancellous bone and cannot work without soft tissue hinges This prospective study was conducted to look at the results of comminuted displaced intraarticular fractures of the distal radius treated exclusively by external fixation Materials and methods A 2year followup of 27 patients with comminuted displaced intraarticular fractures of distal radius that were treated exclusively by external fixation is presented The radiological results functional results and complications were analyzed according to the scoring system given by Jakim et al Results Anatomical reduction could not be achieved in 12 patients 44 and reduction was lost in two patients 7 Excellent and good results were seen in 593 fair results were seen in 222 and poor results were seen in 185 of the cases Outcome scores of patients without articular step were significantly better as compared to the patients with articular step at healing There was a positive correlation between the restoration of normal anatomy radiological results and the functional outcome r=0775 Overall nine patients 33 had complications Conclusion We conclude that although the external fixation is reliable in maintaining the reduction in displaced comminuted intraarticular fractures it is inadequate in restoring articular congruity in many cases The complications of external fixation are frequent and may be potentially serious in nature
Keywords: