Clinical observation on the effects of two different treatments for elderly patients with type C_3 distal radius fracture

Objective To investigate the effect of two different methods in the treatment of type C3 distal radius fracture in elderly patients.Methods Forty-six patients of type C3 distal radius fracture were selected in our hospital from October 2008 to October 2010.The patients were divided into two groups according to different treatments:the internal fixation group(n=23) and the external fixation group(23 cases).All the patients were followed up after treatment.The recovery of wrist joint was evaluated by Dienst functional evaluation standards.The palmar tilt,radial inclination,radial shortening and articular surface level were observed by postoperative radiographs.Results All the patients were followed up for 10～18 months,with a mean of 12.4 months.One patient in the internal fixation group suffered postoperative internal fixation loosening,and one in the external fixation group suffered joint stiffness.The palmar tilt,radial inclination,radial shortening and articular surface level after treatment showed statistically significant difference with those before treatment,P0.05.The excellent and good rate in the internal fixation group(86.9%) was significantly higher than that in the external fixation group(69.5%),P0.05.Conclusion Open reduction,T plate internal fixation,and external fixator can all be used in the treatment of type C3 fractures,of which T plate internal fixation is relatively more effective.