Management of comminuted intra-articular fractures of distal radius by external fixator using principle of ligamentotaxis: A prospective study

Abstract

Management of fracture distal end of radius is still a challenge for Orthopaedic surgeon and pose therapeutic problem in terms of reduction of fracture, maintenance of reduction till the fracture unites, mobility of the joint after fracture union. Failure in the management may cause permanent disability1. The efficacy of ligamentotaxis in neutralizing detrimental compression forces, which are likely to cause displacement of unstable fracture with radial shortening, is a significant and increasingly appealing advance in the management of distal radius fracture. The aim of our study is to evaluate the functional outcome of comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures in 30 patients treated by External fixator using principle of Ligamentotaxis. Demerit score system modified after Gartland Werley (1951) was used to assess the functional outcome. As per scoring system 14 patients had excellent results, 12 patients had good results and 3 patients had fair results and poor result in 1 patient. Based on our study we found ligamentotaxis is a good surgical option in the management of comminuted intra- articular distal end radius fractures.