OBJECTIVETo observe restoration of the wrist function and complications of Colles fracture treated with different kinds of external fixation.

METHODSTwo hundreds and seventy-five patients with Colles fracture during March 1998 to Oct 2006 which were fixed with three kinds of external fixation were analyzed retrospectively. Group A: there were 95 patients, 61 male, 34 female, with an average age of (26.2 +/- 0.4) years, fixed by the small moulding plywood on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position; Group B:90 patients, 61 male, 29 female, with an average age of (24.0 +/- 1.5) years, fixed by the small moulding plywood on the wrist in mild palmar flexion; Group C: 90 patients, 65 male, 25 female, with an average age of (25.0 +/- 2.1) years, fixed by plaster on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position. According to the Frykaman typing,number of type I to VIII in group A was 25, 31, 20, 11, 3, 2 ,2, 1 in turn,type I to VIII in group B was 22, 30, 17, 9, 4, 4, 2, 2 in turn; type I to VIII in group C was 24, 30, 18, 9, 4, 3, 1, 1 in turn. Comparing the age, sex and the type of fracture, there were no statistical significant differences among three groups. After 6 to 18 months following-up survey, the restoration of the wrist and complication incidence were statistically analyzed.

RESULTSTo compare the restoration of the wrist joint and complication incidence after various fixation, there were significant differences between group A and B and C (P < 0.05) in statistics.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of the Colles fracture by the small moulding plywood fixation on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position is benefit to restore the wrist joint function and has fewer complications..