Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study is to support the possibility of a satisfactory articular congruity of the radiocarpal articulation, maintenance of the reduction of an unstable fracture of the distal part of the radius and early motion of the wrist with restoration of the radial length, after dynamic external þxation. Methods: From January 1997 to 2002, 95 matured patients who had 77 comminuted unstable fractures of the distal part of the radius were treated with a dynamic external-þxation device in the Hospital of Caserta and the Clinic of Maddaloni. Mobilisation of the wrist from 0 Ð 30 degrees of ßexion was begun at approximately two weeks and full motion, allowing 30 degrees of extension, was started at approximately four weeks. After having checked with radiographs and clinical examinations, all patients were classiþed by Frykmanñs criteria and included in our study. Then they were evaluated as described by Sarmiento, Gartland and Werley on radiographs and subjective and objective elements. Results: Outcomes after one year were excellent or good in 91% of patients and no more complications were observed. Conclusions: The main goal of treatment is the restoration of the anatomical alignment and the positioning of the fragments so as to allow early motion of the joints. We believe in this method of þxation and on the basis of our data we can recommend it for improvement of early mobility of the wrist, and to prevent osteoarthrosis and disuse osteopenia.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
