The Use of the External Fixator in the Treatment of Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius

Background: A study to assess the use of the external fixator in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius was initiated in late 1994.

Method: Thirty patients with these fractures have been treated at our hospital between 1991 and 1994 with the use of either the AO or the Pennig external fixator. The patients were assessed at least one year post-operatively (mean 90.2 weeks) after a course of physiotherapy.

Results: The majority of patients (65%) had either good or excellent results, based on objective and subjective criteria. The common complications included early finger stiffness, pintract infections and loss of reduction.