Treatment of the unstable distal radius fracture with external fixation and a hydroxyapatite spacer

A prospective study was performed on 25 patients (15 women, 10 men) with unstable fractures of the distal radius selectively treated with a dynamic type of external fixation combined with a hydroxyapatite spacer. The fractures ranged from type VI to type VIII according to Frykman's classification. The patients' mean age at surgery was 49 years (range, 19-75 years). The mean follow-up period was 2.5 years, and overall outcome was assessed using Gartland and Werley's demerit point system as modified by Sarmiento. Radial inclination was 26 degrees +/- 4 degrees at the time of reduction and 26 degrees +/- 5 degrees at follow-up, palmar tilt was 9 degrees +/- 2 degrees at reduction and 8 degrees +/- 3 degrees at follow-up, and ulnar variance was 1.4 +/- 0.6 mm at reduction and 2.1 +/- 0.9 mm at follow-up. The mean range of motion at follow-up was 80 degrees +/- 10 degrees in flexion, 80 degrees +/- 10 degrees in extension, 85 degrees +/- 10 degrees in supination, and 80 degrees +/- 5 degrees in pronation. The outcome in 24 of 25 patients was evaluated as excellent. In the surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius using external fixator, the fracture reduction should be supported with bone graft or a bone substitute, and a hydroxyapatite spacer was considered to be a useful substitute for a bone graft.