External and internal fixation for comminuted intra-articular fractures of distal radius.
BACKGROUND
Distal radius fractures are a common injury and without proper treatment leads to high functional impairment and frequent complications.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to see the functional outcome in patients with comminuted distal radius fractures treated with combined external fixation and open reduction and volar plating.


METHODS
All comminuted distal radius fractures classified as type C in AO/OTA classification were enrolled for the study from 2005 till 2008. The clinical scoring chart modified by Cooney was used to evaluate the functional outcome.


RESULTS
There were twenty-two patients with the average age of 42.18 years (range 19-60) with 15 male and 7 females. The follow-up period was from 14 to 46 months. Accordingly, there were 11 (50%) excellent, 7 (31%) good, 2 (9%) fair and 2 (9%) poor results. There were very few complications in our series. In three patients additional K-wire supplementation was necessary along with external and open internal fixation.


CONCLUSIONS
Comminuted intra-articular fractures of distal radius should be treated by open reduction and combined internal and external fixation to achieve a high rate of patient satisfaction and satisfactory functional outcome.
Pradhan
R L
RL
Department of Orthopaedics, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Nepal. rabi.ortho@gmail.com
Lakhey
S
S
Pandey
B K
BK
Manandhar
R R
RR
Rijal
K P
KP
Sharma
S
S
D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003906:Developing Countries; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D057072:Intra-Articular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009390:Nepal; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult