Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
11:21
Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
[External fixation at the wrist and hand]
F Schuind1, W El Kazzi, K Cermak
1Service d'Orthopédie-Traumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Bruxelles, hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles. frederic.schuind@erasme.ulb.ac.be
Revue Medicale De Bruxelles
|March 31, 2012
Summary
Distraction radio-metacarpal external fixation is effective for distal radius fractures. External fixation also offers stable bone fixation for hand and wrist injuries, enabling early finger mobilization.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Traumatology
- Skeletal fixation techniques
Context:
- Distal radius fractures, particularly comminuted articular types, present treatment challenges.
- Locked palmar plating is a more demanding alternative for distal radius fractures.
- External fixation is a versatile technique with multiple applications in hand and wrist surgery.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of distraction radio-metacarpal external fixation for distal radius fractures.
- To compare external fixation with locked palmar plating.
- To outline the indications and benefits of external minifixation in hand and wrist surgery.
Summary:
- Distraction radio-metacarpal external fixation is an excellent osteosynthesis method for distal radius fractures, especially comminuted articular ones.
- External fixation provides stable bone fixation for hand and wrist injuries, allowing early active finger mobilization.
- Indications include open lesions, lengthening, closed fractures, arthrodesis, non-union treatment, and post-trapeziectomy thumb length maintenance.
Impact:
- External fixation offers a less demanding alternative for complex distal radius fractures.
- Stable fixation with external devices facilitates early patient rehabilitation and functional recovery.
- The technique's versatility extends its utility to various hand and wrist conditions, improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
The muscles of the forearm that move the wrist, hand, and digits are numerous and diverse. They can be classified into two groups based on their location and function — the anterior and posterior compartment muscles.
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
01:15Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
Assessment of Radial Pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps: