OBJECTIVETo treat the comminute distal radius fractures by improved splint, and obersve the curative effect and compare the radiology with the traditional splint.

METHODSNinety-two patients with distal radius comminute fracture were randomly divided into two groups. There were 38 males and 54 females. The average age was 63 years old ranging from 23 to 82. Acording to AO classification on the distal fracture of the radius, there were 15 cases of A3, 40 cases of C1, 26 cases of C2 and 11 cases of C3. After all patients were treated by manipulative reduction, 46 cases of the treatment group were fixed supra-carpometacarpal joints by improved splint and trapezoid pad, the other 46 cases of control group were treated with the traditional spilint. Both groups were regularly taken X-ray recheck and changed dressings to obtain the clinical cicatrization. Patients were guided to do functional exercise after splints were taken off. Six weeks later all patients were evaluated the curative and radiologic effect according to Gartland-Werlley wrist score and Lidstrom grade respectively.

RESULTSAccording to wrist score,there were 13 cases on excellent, 34 cases on fine and 9 cases on normal in treatment group, which average score was (4.0 +/- 2.6) and the percent of wrist functional fitness was 80.6%. There were 9 cases on excellen, 19 cases on fine and 18 cases on normal in control group, which average score was (6.0 +/- 4.2) and the percent of wrist grad and 4 cases on the third grade in treatment group. There were 22 cases on the first grade, 16 cases on the second grad and 8 cases on the third grade in control group.

CONCLUSIONThe outcome of improved splint was better than that of traditional splint on the function and radiology for treating the comminute distal radius fracture.