Open reduction and internal fixation compared to closed reduction and external fixation in distal radial fractures: a randomized study of 50 patients.
OBJECTIVE
In unstable distal radial fractures that are impossible to reduce or to maintain in reduced position, the treatment of choice is operation. The type of operation and the choice of implant, however, is a matter of discussion. Our aim was to investigate whether open reduction and internal fixation would produce a better result than traditional external fixation.


METHODS
50 patients with an unstable or comminute distal radius fracture were randomized to either closed reduction and bridging external fixation, or open reduction and internal fixation using the TriMed system. The primary outcome parameter was grip strength, but the patients were followed for 1 year with objective clinical assessment, subjective outcome using DASH, and radiographic examination.


RESULTS
At 1 year postoperatively, grip strength was 90% (SD 16) of the uninjured side in the internal fixation group and 78% (17) in the external fixation group. Pronation/supination was 150 degrees (15) in the internal fixation group and 136 degrees (20) in the external fixation group at 1 year. There were no differences in DASH scores or in radiographic parameters. 5 patients in the external fixation group were reoperated due to malunion, as compared to 1 in the internal fixation group. 7 other cases were classified as radiographic malunion: 5 in the external fixation group and 2 in the internal fixation group.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal fixation gave better grip strength and a better range of motion at 1 year, and tended to have less malunions than external fixation. No difference could be found regarding subjective outcome.
Abramo
Antonio
A
Hand Unit, Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden. tony.abramo@med.lu.se
Kopylov
Philippe
P
Geijer
Mats
M
Tägil
Magnus
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult