TREATMENT OF DISTAL END RADIUS FRACTURES BY EXTERNAL FIXATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Dr Tanveer Ali; Dr Sayyidah Aasima Tu Nisa Qazi

Volume : X, Issue : III, March - 2020

TREATMENT OF DISTAL END RADIUS FRACTURES BY EXTERNAL FIXATION: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Dr Tanveer Ali, Dr Sayyidah Aasima Tu Nisa Qazi

Abstract :

Objective: To evaluate radiological and functional outcome in fractures of the distal radius treated with external fixation. Material and Methods: Twenty two patients (8 males, 14 females) with different types of fractures of distal radius were treated with external fixation. Anatomical restoration was evaluated by postero–anterior and lateral radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 09 months of follow up to evaluate Radial Height (RH), Radial Inclination (RI) and Volar Tilt (VT). Functional outcome was evaluated using Mayo scoring system. Results: Out of 22 patients, 4 had type A, 5 had type B and 13 had type C fractures (AO classification). Average procedure time was 45 minutes. According to Mayo scoring 72.7% (n=16) patients had excellent to good outcome while as 27.3% (n=6) had fair outcome. Conclusion: The external fixator is simple and inexpensive. It effectively stabilizes fractures yet allowing for hand motion and prevents stiffness. Although some cases have residual joint stiffness, pain and arthritis can be prevented. we conclude that external fixation is an effective method in treating unstable extra–articular fractures and partial articular fractures of the distal end of radius