A Prospective Observational Clinical and Radiological Study of a Modular Bridging External Fixator for Unstable
G Maccagnano1, G Noia1, G Vicenti2
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti - Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal
|December 30, 2021
Summary
A modular external fixation system effectively treats unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs). This method provides good clinical and radiological outcomes at 12 months, with K-wires recommended for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Fracture management
Background:
- Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common, affecting 600,000 individuals annually.
- Unstable DRFs require effective treatment strategies for optimal patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a modular external fixation system for unstable DRFs.
- To assess clinical and radiological outcomes at 12-month follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 35 patients with unstable DRFs.
- Treatment involved a modular external fixation system.
- Clinical and radiological assessments were performed at 12 months.
Main Results:
- Mean DASH score was 15.73 and mean PRWE score was 20.10 at 12 months.
- Achieved mean radial inclination of 19.92°, mean ulnar variance of 1.12 mm, and mean palmar inclination of 9.76°.
Conclusions:
- The modular external fixator system is clinically and radiologically effective for unstable and comminuted DRFs.
- Adjunctive K-wires may be necessary for fractures with poor fragment reduction using external fixation alone.
Keywords:
closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF)modular external fixatorradius fractureunstable distal radius fracturewrist fracture
