External fixation in patients with age over 65 years with distal radius fracture

This study evaluates the final outcome of the treatment of the distal radius fractures with external fixation in patients older than 65 years.

Thirteen patients over the age of 65 years with a distal radius fracture were treated with external fixation. The fracture type was determined according the Frykman classification. For evaluation of the outcome six months after the operation were used: Stewart Score System; Gartland and Werley; and PRWE (Patient-rated wrist evaluation).

According to the Stewart score system one patient has excellent; nine good; and tree have fair result. Gartland and Werley score showed that four patients have excellent; six good; and three have fair result. According to the PRWE two patients have no pain and no functional disability; five have minimal; five have mild pain and functional disability; and one has moderate degree and frequency of pain and moderate functional disability. Statistically there is strong correlation between Gartland and Werley score and PRWE score (r=0.657) and weak correlation between Stewart score and PRWE score (r=0.431).

The external fixation of the distal radius fractures in the patients with advanced age enables high degree of functioning of the injured wrist and high level of daily activity. Judging from the benefit of enabling an "independence" of these persons, the risk for the operative treatment is sustained.