Bone cement for redislocated Colles' fracture. A prospective comparison with closed treatment

Colles' fractures (not comminuted or intraarticular) that redislocated after two closed reductions were randomized into two groups. In one group the dorsal bone deficiency was filled with bone cement (methylmethacrylate) at operation; in the other, the fractures were rereduced and immobilized in a plaster cast. All the patients were followed for 2 years and examined with respect to anatomy of the fracture, wrist movement, strength, appearance, pain, and function. The operated on group were better with regard to all objectively measurable characteristics; all operated on fractures had healed radiographically, and the cement was surrounded by cortical bone.