Role of external fixator in surgical management of intra-articular distal radius fractures: Functional and radiological outcomes

Abstract

Aim: The main aim of this study is to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes after treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures by close reduction external fixation.Materials and Methods: Twenty five patients of intra-articular fracture distal radius fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated between Jan. 2016 to Nov. 2017 with close reduction external fixation using principle of ligamentotaxis. The fixator was removed after 6-8 weeks and patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. At final follow up functional assessment was done using Gartland and Werley score and radiological assessment done measuring radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance.Results: Seventeen (68%) male and eight (32%) females with mean age 45.4 years with intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with external fixator. At 6 months follow up functional assessment was done using Gartland and Werley score, reported excellent to good outcome in 88% cases and satisfactory outcome in 12% cases and radiological parameters were within acceptable range. There was no correlation of age, sex or fracture type (as per AO classification) with functional outcome.Conclusions: External fixator is a simple, cost-effective and reliable means of treating intra-articular distal radius fractures with good functional outcomes.