Treatment of Selected Distal Radius Fractures with Nonbridging External Fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Distal radius fractures are common injuries, often requiring surgical intervention for displaced and unstable patterns.
• Current fixation methods aim to restore anatomical alignment and enable early mobilization.
• The nonbridging external fixation (NBX) system presents a potential alternative for managing these complex fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nonbridging external fixation (NBX) system in treating displaced and unstable distal radius fractures.
• To assess the functional outcomes and complication rates associated with NBX fixation.
• To determine the system's ability to maintain fracture reduction and restore wrist range of motion.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 26 patients with distal radius fractures (OTA types 23-A2.3 to C3.3).
• Fractures were reduced and stabilized using the 1.6-mm diameter NBX system.
• Patient data, including radiographic measurements and range of motion, were collected at fixator removal and final follow-up.

Main Results:

• The NBX system provided excellent stability, maintaining reduction of extra- and intra-articular distal radius fractures.
• Significant improvements were observed in wrist range of motion (dorsiflexion, volar flexion, pronation, supination) from fixator removal to final follow-up.
• Radiographic parameters such as radial tilt, radial styloid length, and volar tilt were restored to near-anatomical positions and maintained.

Conclusions:

• Nonbridging external fixation (NBX) is a safe and effective treatment for displaced and unstable distal radius fractures.
• The system facilitates functional range of motion with minimal complications.
• NBX fixation allows for reliable maintenance of fracture reduction in complex intra- and extra-articular distal radius injuries.