title: Distal radius fractures: treatment using the Epibloc system.
abstract: The Epibloc system of percutaneous endomedullary internal fixation is best indicated for AO type A2-3 extra-articular fractures of the distal radius and AO type C1 slightly comminuted articular fractures. This system includes pins that can be inserted into the medullary canal and advanced without breaking through the second cortex. This fixation is stabilised by an external plate and rendered dynamic by the pins' elasticity which compresses the fractured surfaces. Moreover, this system results in transversal ligamentotaxis which helps prevent secondary reduction losses. The result of a preliminary series of 326 cases is evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Clinica Ortopedica, Università di Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Poggi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Merolli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fanfani
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massarella
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Catalano
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*