Open reduction and internal or external fixation for the treatment of comminuted and intra-articular fractures of the distal radius
- VernacularTitle:桡骨远端粉碎性骨折及关节内骨折的手术治疗
- Author:
Baoguo JIANG
;
Dianying ZHANG
;
Zhongguo FU
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Radius;
Fractures, comminuted;
Internal fixators
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2000;0(02):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of surgical treatment of comminuted and intra articular fractures of the distal radius. Methods Forty two cases of comminuted and intra articular fractures of distal radius encountered from January 1999 to January 2001, were operated upon either with internal fixation with the Titanium screw plate or with external fixator according to the types of fracture. Patiens data: there were 14 male and 28 female patients with age of 21-69 years and an average of 36 years; fractures on the left side in 18 and right side in 24 cases. The fractures were categorized according to the AO classification of distal radial fractures: 3 cases of type B1; 8 cases of type B2(dorsal Barton fracture); 4 cases of type B3(volar Barton fracture); 14 cases of type C1; 8 cases of type C2 and 5 cases of type C3. Types B1, B2, B3 and C1 with unsatisfactory closed manipulation were treated primarily with open reduction and internal fixation with an oblique T shaped pure Titanium plate and screws; types C2 and C3 were primarily treated with external fixators; depending upon the condition of reduction during surgery; Kirshners wires were applied accordingly. Twenty six cases were treated with oblique T shaped pure Titanium plate and screws, 9 with open reduction and external fixator, 7 cases were treated with Kirshners wires and external fixator. According to the types of fracture, the pure Titanium plate and screws, simple internal fixation+external fixator, and only external fixator was used accordingly. Results All 42 patients were followed up regularly. According to AO evaluation of the wrist joint movement, 83.3%(35 cases) of the patients had satisfactory functional outcome, 14.3%(6 cases) had quite satisfactory results and only 2.4%(1 case) had unsatisfactory functional outcome. Conclusion The reduction of the distal radial fractures should include the maintenance of the relative length of the radius and ulna, the smoothness of the articular surface and the palmar and ulnar deviation angles. The shortening of the radius results in the pain with movement and the restriction of function, and hence is considered to be the most important factor affecting the joint function. The ulnar deviation is quite easy to restore, and its mal angulation is rare. The reduced palmar deviation angle results in the restriction of the wrist flexion. For the comminuted and intra articular distal radial fractures, the surgical reduction for the maintenance of the relative length of the radius and ulna, a good reduction of articular surface, reduction of palmar and ulnar deviation angle are the key points for a successful outcome. Early functional exercise is equally important for the best recovery of wrist function.
