title: [Discussion of the mechanism of using continuous traction in treating unstable distal radius fracture].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the mechanism of continuous traction in treating unstable distal radius fracture.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with unstable distal radius fractures were treated by diaplastic external fixator including 4 males and 26 females with an average age of 61 years ranging from 18 to 85 years. According to AO classification, 12 cases were type A3, 3 were type B2, 8 were type C1, 4 were type C2, 3 were type C3. The distance of the processus radial malleolus and ulnar articularis were measured through X-ray examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty patients were followed-up for 6 to 15 months with an average of 11.2 months. The results of distance before treatment measuring in X-ray was (0.55+/-0.22) cm, and the distance after treatment was (1.07+/-0.23) cm. The distance after treatment was higher than the distance before treatment, there were significant difference between them (P<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Continuous traction by diaplastic external fixator can explain by the theory of tendon reinforced bone and ligament restoration, or distraction osteogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Wangling Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 100102, China.
authors.forename: Xiu-Ren
authors.initials: XR
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Xing-Ping
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: De-You
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: An
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Kuan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ji-Chuan
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: He
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016267:External Fixators / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014965:X-Rays; D055815:Young Adult