Clinical Results of External Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

We studied the clinical results of the external fixation for distal radius fractures. Between 1991 and 1998, we treated 24 fractures with Hoffmann external fixation and 22 fractures with Pennig external fixation. Postoperative results were evaluated using Saito's criteria. The results in the Hoffmann group were 3 excellent, 18 good and 3 fair. The results in the Penning group were 5 excellent, 15 good and 2 fair. There were no difference between the two groups. There were more unstable or more comminute fractures in cases using bone graft or internal fixation, but those results were better. It is important to use bone graft or internal fixation for unstable fractures.