INTRA-ARTICULAR FRACTURES OF DISTAL RADIUS;

OUTCOME OF TREATED WITH BRIDGING (STATIC) EXTERNAL FIXATOR

Abstract

Objective: To assess the radiological and functional outcome of external fixator in
the treatment of intar-articular fractures of distal radius. Study design: Descriptive case series.
Place and duration of study: Orthopaedic unit District Headquarter Hospital Temargarha Lower
Dir from March 2013 to March 2014. Material and methods: Twenty five patients of intra-articular
fracture distal radius fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated with AO external fixator by
ligamentotaxis. Preoperative and postoperative radiograph measurements were taken of radial
inclination, radial tilt, and radial length, and fractures were classified according to the AO system.
The fixator was removed after 6-8 week and functional assessment was done using Gartland and
Werely point system at monthly interval for six months. Results: Eighteen male (72%) and 7(28%)
females mean age 43.1 years with intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with external
fixator. Preoperative mean radial inclination(10.5 degree) radial tilt(29 degrees dorsal) and radial
length(6.3 mm) were reported postoperatively as 18.8 degrees,8 degrees volar and 10 mm
respectively at final follow up visit. The functional evaluation by Gartland and Werley's point
system reported excellent (60% patients) ,good(20%) and fair(12%) at final follow up visit. One
(4%) patient could not achieve union while one (4%) malunion was reported. Conclusions:
Bridging external fixator(static) yields excellent radiological and functional results in majority of
intra-articular distal radius fractures.