External fixation of Colles' fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Colles' fractures are common wrist injuries.
• Treatment options include external fixation and plaster casts.
• Unstable and comminuted fractures present treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare radiographic and functional outcomes of external fixation versus plaster fixation for Colles' fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy of external fixation for unstable distal forearm fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparison of 32 Colles' fractures treated with external fixation and 189 treated with plaster.
• Assessment of radiographic and functional results.
• Analysis of pin loosening in external fixation based on fixation technique (predrilling vs. self-tapping).

Main Results:

• External fixation yielded superior radiographic outcomes compared to plaster fixation.
• Final functional and radiographic results were comparable between the two groups, despite more severe injuries in the external fixation group.
• Predrilling significantly reduced pin loosening compared to self-tapping techniques.

Conclusions:

• External fixation is a viable and effective treatment for unstable Colles' fractures.
• The radiographic results of external fixation are superior to plaster casts.
• Predrilling is recommended to minimize pin loosening during external fixation.