External Fixation for Fracture of the Distal Radius.

External fixator is essential for unstable fracture of the distal radius. From January 1997 to December 2000, we treated 12 distal radius fractures with the Poanfix external fixtor. They included 1 male and 11 females aged 64 years on average. We classified them by Frykman's classification. To assess maintenance of reduction, ulnar variance (UV), palmar tilt, radial tilt, and carpal height ratio were measured before reduction and after removal of the external fixator. Clinical results by Saito's point system were excellent in 7 cases, good in 4, poor or fair in none, indicating results were satisfactory. X-p showed that palmar tilt and radial tilt did not differ significantly between before and after removal of the fixator. But 5 cases had UV greater than 2 mm. Two groups with more or less 2mm UV had different mean age and duration of external fixtor. The reason is suspected to be bone defect of distal radius due to osteoporosis. Consequently, we recommend a supplyment ary operation with external fixator for patients with radial fracture developing osteoporosis.