External fixation for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius

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AU: Jakim-I; Pieterse-HS; Sweet-MB SO: J-Bone-Joint-Surg-Br. 1991 Mar; 73(2): 302-6 AB: In a prospective study of 132 patients with an average age of 35 years, unstable intra-articular fractures of the distal radius were treated by external fixator. Only 15 cases required limited open reduction. Follow-up was for a mean of 42 months. There were few complications and 83% of patients had good or excellent results. There was a statistically significant correlation between the severity of the fracture and the clinical outcome, irrespective of radiological restoration. Articular and soft-tissue damage following violent compressive forces may lead to a degree of functional impairment.