Evaluation of Comminuted Fractures of the Distal End of the Radius Treated by External Fixation

Comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius are difficult to align and reduction of the fracture is difficult to maintain. Since 1983 we have treated such cases by external pin fixation. Twelve patients were evaluated. In the roentgenographic evaluation final radial angle averaged 22.8°, radial length averaged 9.4mm, and ulnar variance averaged 3.3mm. These figures are close to the average of the uninjured side. Five patients showed dorsal angulation. Wrist dorsal flexion averaged 68.3°, and volar flexion averaged 63.8°. Supination and pronation were almost in the normal range. We used Saitou's point system to assess the patient and according to this five patients had excellent results: 6 patients, were good; and only one patients was assessed as fair. External pin fixation was very useful for treating comminuted fractures of the wrist.