[Complex distal radius fracture: value of spongiosa-plasty in combination with external fixator treatment]

22 Patients with complex fracture of the distal radius (Fernandez III/Frykman VII-VIII/AO 23.C) underwent treatment with external fixation and auxiliary autologous bone grafting in purpose to reconstruct and stabilize the radiocarpal articular surface, reset the radius length, obtain a quicker bone healing and avoid secondary radius shortening after removing of the external fixation. In spite of reassessment of radius length in 80% and reconstruction of the radiocarpal articular surface in 75%, late control showed the development of radiological signs of radiocarpal arthritis. 50% of the patients have a moderate loss of strength and motility in the wrist; this seems to be a good result for a very negative selection of complex fractures of distal radius. We recommend autologous bone grafting in treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius with external fixation.