title: Dynamic external fixation versus non-operative treatment of severe distal radial fractures.
abstract: Severe distal radius fractures often lead to impairment of wrist function, particularly in younger patients. This paper reports 55 consecutive patients younger than 65 years with displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Twenty-nine were treated with dynamic external fixation, and 26 with closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization. At least 1 year after the injury the anatomical and functional results were assessed using the scoring system of Lidstrom. In a retrospective analysis, both the anatomical and functional end score were significantly better in the dynamic external fixation group than in the group treated non-operatively (0.02 P < 0.05 using chi 2 analysis with Yates' correction). We conclude that dynamic external fixation is a good alternative for non-operative treatment in younger patients with severe distal radial fractures. Prospective evaluation of this subject is necessary.
authors: Department of Surgery, St Maartens Gasthuis, Venlo, Netherlands.
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: van Dijk
authors: F G
authors: FG
authors: Laudy
mesh_terms: D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies