A Case Series of Functional and Radiological Outcome of Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Bridging External Fixator with Optional Percutaneous K-wires

Abstract

Introduction: Comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures are complex injuries often resulting from high-energy trauma, requiring precise reduction and stable fixation. Spanning external fixation, with optional K-wire augmentation, has emerged as a minimally invasive technique offering reliable stabilization through ligamentotaxis while reducing operative time, blood loss, and infection risks. Case Series: This case series evaluated patients with AO Type C3 distal radius fractures treated using spanning external fixators with optional K-wire supplementation. Functional outcomes were assessed using the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand score, and radiological outcomes were evaluated using the Sarmiento radiological score over a 1-year follow-up period. Almost all patients achieved excellent results on both scoring systems, with minimal complications and no significant functional limitations reported. Conclusion: Spanning external fixation, with or without K-wire support, is an effective alternative to open reduction methods for complex intra-articular distal radius fractures. It offers the advantages of simplicity, reduced operative duration, less blood loss, and a lower risk of infection, making it a reliable option for managing these challenging injuries.

Keywords

• distal radius fracture
• spanning external fixator
• intra-articular fracture
• k-wire augmentation
• disabilities of arm
• shoulder
• and hand score
• sarmiento radiological score
• ao type c3
• ligamentotaxis