OBJECTIVETo evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted treatment of severe comminuted distal radial fracture with external fixators and kirschner wire fixation.

METHODSTwenty-seven cases of severe comminuted distal radial fracture treated between March, 2010 and January, 2012 were reviewed. During the operation, the carpal joint space was expanded with the external fixator, and the fracture was fixed by Kirschner wire after open reduction. The carpal joint was observed intraoperatively with arthroscopy to ensure full reduction, and the distal posterior interosseous nerve was then severed. The results of postoperative X-ray and wrist functional status of the carpal joints were recorded. Another 27 cases of severe comminuted distal radial fracture treated by conventional surgical approach served as the control group.

RESULTSThe patients were followed up for a mean of 13.2 (5-27) months. Compared with the conventional surgical approach, arthroscopy-assisted treatment resulted in a significantly shorter operative time with better appearance of the articular surface and also better wrist function assessed using the Krimmer system (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONArthroscopy-assisted external fixator treatment is effective for management of severe comminuted distal radial fracture and avoids the stair-like appearance of the articular surface to achieve the maximal functional recovery of the carpal joints and reduce traumatic arthritis.