A prospective study on outcome of distal radius fracture treated with external fixation in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background and objective: Fractures of the distal radius account for 10 to 12% of all the fractures. Fall on outstretched hand being most common cause. Failure to achieve and maintain near anatomic restoration can lead to various disabilities and deformities. There is evidence that surgical good anatomical articular reduction reduces the complication hence the management of distal radius fractures changed from universal use of cast immobilization to operative interventions. Aim of this study is to observe the functional and anatomical outcome of distal radius treated with external fixation. Materials and Methods: The present study includes 22 cases of distal radius fractures who were operated with external fixation in our hospital BTGH, MRMC, kalaburagi between Jan 2017 to Dec 2017. Ethical clearance and Informed consent were taken. All the fractures were classified according to frykman's classification and patients' final outcome was measured by Gartland and Werley's Score (demerit system). Results: The present study includes 22 patients, 14 were male and 8 were female. The mean patient age was 36 years (22yrs-50yrs). Left hand was involved in 13 patients and right hand in 9 patients. The mechanism of injury was road traffic accident in majority. Most of the patients were operated within 3-4 days of injury. 6 patients with high impact type injuries had associated fractures. Most of fractures were of Type III, IV, V of Frykman's classification of fractures. End Results according to Demerit point system of Gartland and Werley's among 22 patients treated with External fixation were Excellent in 10 patients, Good in 7 patients, Fair in 4 patients, and Poor in 1 patient. Conclusion: External fixation in distal radius fractures provide good to excellent results and are effective in the correction and maintenance of distal radius anatomy.