Treatment of distal radius intra-articular comminuted fractures with external fixator: Is it a good option?

Background. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the treatment results of distal radius intra-articular comminuted fractures treated with closed reduction and external fixation. Material and Methods. This study included 46 patients who underwent closed reduction and external fixation with the diagnosis of distal radius intra-articular comminuted fracture. According to the AO classification, 21 patients had type C1, and 25 patients had type C2 fractures. Patients were evaluated with the radiological criteria developed by Lindstrom and the clinical scoring system developed by Gartland and Werley. Results. Mean union time was 7 weeks (6-8 weeks). All patients were followed for 12 months. As a result of Lindstrom radiological-anatomical evaluation 10 (21,73%) patients were evaluated as moderate, 16 (34.7%) patients as good, and 20(43.4%) patients as excellent. When these 46 cases were evaluated according to the modified Gartland and Werley functional evaluation scheme, a satisfactory result (excellent and good) was obtained in 42 cases (91.3%), and unsatisfactory (moderate and poor) results were obtained in a total of 4 (8.7%) cases. Conclusion. The closed reduction and external fixator application is a treatment method that can be preferred in the treatment of unstable radius distal intra-articular comminuted fractures in the right indication and in the right patients, under appropriate conditions.