[Retrospective analysis of consecutively treated distal radius fractures with the external fixator]

The purpose of this study was to determine retrospectively some subjective and objective parameters following the operative treatment of 32 patients with "complex" (intraarticular and/or comminuted) fractures of the distal radius using the small AO external fixation device. The mean follow-up period was 20 months (minimum 4, maximum 48) and the mean age of the subjects was 62 years (minimum 27, maximum 91). Subjective results such as "general feeling", mobility, strength and pain, expressed with a scoring system (% of maximum obtainable points), showed an overall good result and ranged between 71% (pain), 81% (strength) and 91% (mobility and "general feeling"). Regarding the objective results, no major skin or soft tissue distress (Sudeck dystrophy) was noted. However, there was a general tendency towards a mobility deficit of the wrist operated on, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01) for flexion, extension, supination and abduction (respectively, -17.7%, -12.4%, -7.1% and -12.5%). The late standard radiological and lateral controls showed a mean radial angle of +2.13 degrees (B or lateral radial angle) and +23.13 degrees (A or AP angle), respectively. The analysis of data, as expressed by time after operation (< or > than 10 months), showed no relevant difference between the two groups (age of both similar), as expressed by age (< or > than 60 years); the data only showed differences in strength and pain (scores by 92% vs 82% for force and 92% vs 76% for pain) and in flexion and extension (-22.8% and -14%, P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)