[Treatment of radius fractures with a newly developed dynamic external fixator]

Ligamentotaxis first described by Vidal presented the opportunity to treat wrist fractures near to the joint with external fixation. The first published results with this technique were surprisingly successful. As a result, since 1980 the author began, as one of the first in the German speaking regions, to treat radius fractures with the Hoffmann C-series external fixator. With a newly developed dynamic wrist fixator device 4 clinics have treated 104 fractures in a prospective study. These fractures were followed up 6 months later. Using the Lidström classification, the x-ray results were very good and good for 98% and moderate for 2% of treated fractures. Clinically the results were very good and good for 91% and moderate for 2% of treated fractures. Poor results were not recorded. 92% of the patients had a shortening of the radius of less than 2 mm. The sooner motion was initiated, the better the results were during the follow up. All the parameters such as x-ray evaluation, clinical evaluation, pain, strength, and in particular motion were improved when compared to a static fixator or motion after 14 postoperative days. The treatment time with this new dynamic wrist fixator device was reduced by two weeks compared to a static fixator. Cancellous bone grafting was never necessary.