Plaster cast versus external fixation for unstable intraarticular Colles' fractures

This study compares 75 consecutive patients with Frykman Type VIII fractures of the distal forearm treated by primary external fixation with 32 patients who sustained similar injuries and were treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization. The latter group of patients served as an historical control. The two groups were similar with respect to injury and demographic characteristics. All fractures treated with external fixation remained well reduced and aligned, whereas 88% of those treated with casts had unsatisfactory alignment despite the fact that 30% had a second reduction. The external fixator group also had superior results with respect to functional outcome, range of motion, and grip strength.