Effectiveness of external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study compared the efficacy between external fixator combined with palmar T-plate internal fixation and simple plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures. A total of 61 patients classified as type C according to the AO/ASIF classification underwent surgery for comminuted distal radius fractures. There were 54 and 7 cases of closed and open fractures, respectively. Moreover, 19 patients received an external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation, and 42 received simple plate internal fixation. All patients were treated successfully during 12-month postoperative follow-up. The follow-up results show that the palmar flexion and dorsiflexion of the wrist, radial height, and palmar angle were significantly better in those treated with the external fixator combined with T-plate compared to those treated with the simple plate only (P < 0.05); however, there were no significant differences in radial-ulnar deviation, wrist range of motion, or wrist function score between groups (P > 0.05). Hence, the effectiveness of external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation for the treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures was satisfactory. Patients sufficiently recovered wrist, forearm, and hand function. Treatment of comminuted distal radius fracturesIn conclusion, compared to the simple T-plate, the external fixator combined with T-plate internal fixation can reduce the possibility of the postoperative re-shifting of broken bones and keep the distraction of fractures to maintain radial height and prevent radial shortening.

Comparison of medium efficacy of external fixation and internal plate fixation in the treatment of distal radius Type C

“…Restoration of wrist anatomical structure during treatment is of great signi cance to its functional recovery [4] .The fracture type of the distal radius varies according to the mechanism of injury and stress.In different fracture types, it often di cult to achieve treatment goals using the same methods and materials.The AO type C fracture of distal radius fracture involves the articular surface. The treatment purpose of this type of fracture is to achieve anatomical reduction of the fracture as far as possible, restore the integrity and smoothness of the articular surface, promote the recovery of its mechanical structure, and give it stable and reliable xation after the restoration of its anatomical structure, so as to facilitate the early postoperative rehabilitation exercise of the wrist joint function, and then restore the wrist joint function.Meet patients' needs for normal life [5] .Nonsurgical treatment, traditionally the primary treatment for distal radius fractures, has achieved good results for stable fractures of the distal radius, but poor results for unstable fractures [6,7] .In the treatment of unstable intra-articular fractures of the distal radius, external xator xation and open reduction plate internal xation are widely used in clinic.…”

Comparison of two surgical methods in the treatment of intraarticular distal radius fractures: volar locking plate and K-wire augmented bridging external fixator

“…K wire augmented bridging external fixation and VLP fixation are common treatment methods for the treatment of distal radius intra-articular fractures. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Variable radiological and functional results related to these two methods have been reported in the literature. [17][18][19][20] In this study, we aimed to contribute to the literature by comparing the functional and radiological results of the two surgical methods.…”

The Declining Use of Wrist-Spanning External Fixators

“…5,9,12,18 External fixation of the distal radius may yield adequate grip strength, range of motion, and radiographic outcomes, but is fraught with complications. 7,14,23,26,30 Weber and Szabo reported a 62% complication rate associated with external fixation, most commonly loose pins, pin tract infection, and malreduction. 32 Other complications include discomfort from external hardware, finger stiffness, loss of reduction, and complex regional pain syndrome.…”