title: [Treatment of unstable fractures of the distal extremity of the radius by Hoffmann's external fixation. Report of 68 cases].
abstract: Sixty-eight fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, mostly unstable, homogeneously treated by Hoffmann's radio-metacarpal external fixation, were reviewed in terms of functional, objective and radiological criteria. Mean follow-up was 4 years, with a range of 6 months to 10 years. Overall, this treatment achieved 56% of satisfactory results, 26% moderate results and 18% poor results. Open and comminuted fractures give the worst overall results, mostly in terms of functional parameters. From this study, it is clear that external fixation is effective for the treatment of unstable fractures, as it provides good restitution of anatomical integrity of the radius, ensures better stabilization and allows immediate physiotherapy, leading to restoration of a good range of movement. Moreover, compliance with certain technical aspects such as minimal distraction, limits the disadvantages of this technique.
authors.affiliation: Service d'orthopédie-Traumatologie adulte et infantile, Hôpital Jean-Bernard, CHU de la Milétrie, Poitiers.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Dumez
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Gayet
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Avedikian
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Soyer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pries
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Clarac
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome