title: The results of external fixation of the radius in the treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal end.
abstract: 14 unstable comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were treated by the use of the A/O mini-external fixator. The distal pins were inserted in the distal fragment, thus leaving the wrist joint free to mobilize. Clinical results were assessed at 3 to 12 months using the Sarmiento demerit point system. Nine were male and five female, with a mean age of 37 years. Ten fractures were closed and four were open. 11 patients (78.5%) had an excellent functional score and three (21.5%) had a good score. All patients had normal wrist morphology with an average radial length of 11 mm, radial angle of 23 degrees and a mean volar angle of 12 degrees. 12 patients had anatomical radio-carpal and radio-ulnar joints and two patients had a step less than 2 mm at the radio-carpal surface. This method has proved in our experience to be reliable in maintaining the position as well as allowing early functional recovery.
authors.affiliation: Bath and Wessex Orthopaedic Research Unit, Wolfson Centre, Royal United Hospital NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bishay
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Aguilera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Dunkerley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D011884:Radius / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology