Publication:

A prospective study of functional evaluation of distal radius fracture by external fixator using the principle of ligamentotaxis

Background Preservation of the articular congruity is the principal prerequisite for successful recovery following distal radius fractures. The best method of obtaining and maintaining an accurate restoration of articular anatomy however, remains a topic of considerable controversy. External fixation as a method of treatment for distal end of radius fracture has more than 60 years of documented clinical experience. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the results obtained by treatment of distal end radius fractures by external fixation using the principle of ligamentotaxis.

Methods In a prospective controlled study, 30 cases of distal end radius fractures with intra articular extension were treated with uniplanar bridging type of external fixation using the principle of ligamentotaxis. Mean age of the patients was 40.2 years, external fixator was applied for a mean duration of 6 weeks.

Results In this study there were 8 patients with excellent results comprising 27%, 14 patients with good results comprising 47%, 7 patients with fair results comprising 23%, 1 patient with poor results comprising 3%.

Conclusions In a prospective investigation, static external fixators were applied to 30 intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius. Fixator was kept up for a total of six weeks. The results were 8 excellent, 14 good, 7 fair, and 1 poor. Only one complication, pin loosening (10%), occurred. This series concludes that ligamentotaxis by external fixation consistently produces a good result in the management of intra-articular distal end of radius fractures in younger age groups (50 years).