title: Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures: methods and comparison of external distraction and ORIF versus external distraction-ORIF neutralization.
abstract: Twenty-six closed unstable distal radius fractures were treated using a combination of internal fixation, external distraction (intraoperative), and, in some cases, up to 4 weeks of postoperative external fixation (neutralization). Intraoperative stability check determined the need for external neutralization. This combined technique allowed a comprehensive approach to even the most unstable fracture by merging the advantages of internal and external fixation. Up to 4 weeks of external fixation (neutralization) was not associated with the complications of external fixation usually reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Putnam
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies