Seven-year outcome following Colles' type distal radial fracture. A comparison of two treatment methods.
Eighty-five patients were reviewed 7 years after prospective randomization to bridging external fixation or plaster immobilization for treatment of a Colles' type distal radial fracture. The Gartland and Werley score showed that most patients in each group had an excellent or good outcome and patient satisfaction was comparable and high in both groups. The fixator group had significantly less radial shortening (P<0.05). Despite a high level of radiographic malunion (50%) overall function, range of movement and activities of daily living were not limited. Twenty-five per cent of patients had minor radiological signs of post-traumatic arthritis although only one patient was symptomatic. We conclude that, in the long term, external fixation of distal radius fractures does not confer an improved outcome when compared to plaster immobilization.
Young
C F
CF
Department of Orthopaedics, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, UK. c.young2@btinternet.com
Nanu
A M
AM
Checketts
R G
RG
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome