The operative treatment of intra-articular Goyrand – Smith fractures

Some observations on the management of displaced unstable intra articular fractures of the distal end of radius by open reduction and internal fixation

“…Today it is more important to determine the exact nature and anatomy of the fracture and describe the pathology involved, rather than link the diagnosis and treatment to a single name. [3,4,5] As description of the fracture has evolved as has the variety of treatment modalities. Closed reduction and cast immobilization is one of the most easy method available but loss of reduction, restricted range of motion, muscle weakness and long term functional compromise complicates the results.…”

“…In an effort to improve clinical outcome after the intraarticular fractures, it is recommended that distal radial fracture fragments be reduced operatively when articular incongruencies exceed to 2 mm. [4,5,18] Ellis (1965) was the first person to describe open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of the distal end of radius using a T-shaped buttress plate, for volar Barton and Smith fractures. Subsequently Knirk and Jupitar (1986), Fernandez and Geissler (1991), Cooney (1992), Rikli and Reagazonni (1996) and Carter, Frederick and Laster (1998) have shown in there studies that the restoration of articular congruency is much more important than restoration of volar angulation and radial length for this group of injuries.…”