Fractures of the distal radius are the most common bony injuries in the upper extremity, and many treatment Methods: have been described in the literature. External fixation remains a highly versatile method to treat many fracture types involving the distal radius. The primary indications for external fixation include reduction of unstable extra-articular fractures and most intra-articular fractures. The use of adjuvant pinning or mini open procedures can be used when external fixation inadequately reduces the joint line alone, especially with central depressions and highly comminuted injuries. The ease of use of the implants and successful track record make it an extremely versatile tool for treating complex fractures of the distal radius.

Purpose: To compare 2 Methods: of surgical treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius: open reduction and internal fixation with dorsal plating (Pi Plate; Synthes, Paoli, PA) versus external fixation with o without K-wires.

Methods: We compare a retrospective study about AO type C intra-articular distal radius fractures. The fist group (40 patients) is treated with open reduction and internal fixation with DVR plate ande the second group (65 pacients) is treated with external fixation and K-wires and mini-open reduction.

Objective, subjective, and radiographic outcomes were assessed at 2 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, 10 to 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1- and 2-year intervals. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months; the average follow-up period was 18 months. The principal outcome analyzed was Jakim store that included pain, grip strength, range of motion, complications, and radiographic parameters. The groups were equal with respect to age, gender and fracture subtype.

Results: No significant difference was found in the Jakim store outcome. The volar plate group, howevwe, showed a similar complication rate when compared with the external fixator group. The plate group also had similar levels of pain at 1 year when compared with the external fixator group. The external fixator group showed an average grip strength of 92% compared with the normal side and 86% in the volar plate group.

Conclusions: At midterm analysis the volar plate group showed a significantly higher complication rate compared with the external fixator group; therefore enrollment in the study was terminated. The volar plate group also showed statistically significant higher levels of pain, and weaker grip strength. Based on these results we can recommend the use of volar plates in treating complex intraarticular fractures of the distal radius.