Efficacy of compression application in instable intraarticular distal radius fractures, treated with external fixator

Abstract

This research studied the efficacy of compression application in patients with instable intraarticular distal radius fractures. Here, results for 44 patients (32 males 12 females, mean age 36, distribution 21 to 59), with instable distal radius fracture, was retrospectively assessed. 22 patients who have received conventional closed reduction prior to external fixation and 22 patients, who have received compression in anterior-posterior plate, were included in the study. Same brand of external fixator was applied to all fractures and in addition, Kirchner wire was also used together with fixator for the fixation of fracture to a total of four cases, including two cases from compression group and two cases from control group. For two groups, radiologic AO classification was used. In both groups, radial curve angle, palmary curve angle and radial length data were compared. Functional results were assessed in line with Modified Sarmiento scale. Six of the fractures were open fractures. According to AO classification, 6 of the fractures were of type B1, 4 fractures B2, 14 fractures C2 and 10 fractures C3. The term of external fixation application was an average of 5 weeks in both groups and the follow up term of the patients was average 7.6 months (distribution 4 to 19 months). There were no significant differences from radiological aspect between the two groups (p>0.05). In the functional assessment, the results of the patient group, subject to reduction with compression technique, were better compared to control group (p<0.05). The application of compression in the treatment of instable and intraarticular distal radius fractures, improve clinical and radiological outcomes. This described technique, is an easily applicable and safe method.