Outcome of Intraarticular Communicated Fractures Distal Radius Treatment with Orthofix External Fixators

Abstract

Objective: Assess the outcome of intraticular comminuted fracture distal radius treated with orthofix external fixator. Methods: Prospective study with inclusion criteria of Comminuted intraarticular fractures distal radius , 20 to 60 years age, close and open fractures and exclusion criteria of patient above 60 years , extraarticular fracture , volar and dorsal barton fractures , more then 10 days old fracture. Results: From Januarry 2012 to sept 2014 , 63 patient with intraarticular comminuted fracture distal radius treated with orthofix external fixator included in this study. Functional outcome was assessed on Gartland and Wesley scoring system. 40 (63%)male and 23(37%) female patients, 35(56%) road traffic accident and 28(44%) have fall. AO C1, were 32(51%), C2 ,19(30%), C3, 12(19%) patients. Additional kwire fixation applied in 54 patients.Fixator removed at 6 weeks. Functional result were excellent in 26 patient(41%) , good 32(51%) , satisfactory in 4 patient(6%) , poor in 1(2%). Complication observed were , minor and major pin track infection 30(65%), tethering of external indicis tendon 3(7%) patient, k wire loosening 10(22%) and sudecks atrophy 3(7%) patients. Conclusion: Orthofix external fixator application in intraarticular comminuted fracture distal radius is recommended because it is minimal invasive technique ,have excellent to good outcome . Most of the times needs additional kwire fixation for the fragment stabilization. Key Words: Intraarticular , Comminuted , Distal Radius , Orthofix External Fixator, K Wire.