Curative effect of external fixator in treating comminuted distal radius fracture

Objective To evaluate the effect of external fixator on the treatment of comminuted distal radius fracture.Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 21 patients who had been treated with external fixator.Wrist movement range and radiographic index were measured and wrist function was evaluated by the Gartland-Werley criteria 1-3 years after the operation.Results There was no significant difference in the movement range of pronation,supination and radial deviation,and no significant difference in the radial height and ulnar inclination between the treated wrist joint and the normal hand(P0.05).Nevertheless,the recovery of the wrist flexion,extension,ulnar deviation and volar tilt angle was limited,significantly smaller than the normal(P0.05).By the Gartland-Werley criteria,the excellence rate was 85.7%.Conclusion The external fixator is an effective way to treat comminuted distal radius fracture.