External fixation of distal radial fractures: 3 or 5 weeks of external fixation.
In a retrospective study we compare the functional and radiographical results of 2 groups of patients with unstable distal radial fractures treated with external fixation. In Group 1, 20 patients with 21 fractures were treated with external fixation for 3 weeks followed by a cast for 2 weeks. In Group 2, 16 patients were treated with external fixation for 5 weeks. The functional outcome was good in both treatment groups with no significant difference between the results in the two groups. Radiologically, Group I had less radial shortening than Group II, but there was no difference in the degree of dorsal angulation.
Haddad
M
M
Department of Ortopaedics, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark. U30372@AAS.NJA.DK
Jacoby
B
B
Snerum
L
L
Hede
J
J
Overgaard
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome