Bridging external fixation combined with Kirschner-wire fixation versus volar locked plate fixation for unstable fractures of the distal radius

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.44.008

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The unstable distal radius fractures are clinically treated with external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation at present. These two methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiological, clinical and functional outcomes of two groups of patients treated by bridging external fixation combined with Kirschner wire fixation versus volar locked plate for a displaced fracture of the distal radius.

METHODS: We collected 68 cases of unstable distal radius fractures in the Department of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China from October 2014 to April 2016. They were randomly assigned to two groups, with 34 in each group. Patients in the external fixation group received external fixator and Kirschner wire. Patients in the internal fixation group received volar locked plate. In the follow-up, outcomes were assessed by radiographic parameters, function parameters, and Cooney functional score between both groups.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All patients were followed up. External fixation group was followed up for 12-16 months. Internal fixation group was followed up for 13-15 months. X-rays showed all fractures healed. (2) At 3 months postoperatively, significant differences in pronation, supination, extension and radial deviation were detected between the two groups (P < 0.05), and the internal fixation had more advantages. At 6 months, these differences had become reduced. The extension of the wrist and pronation were still better in the internal fixation group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups between preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The range of motion of the wrist was better in the internal fixation group, but no significant difference in the grip strength was determined between the two groups at any time points in 1-year follow-up. (3) These results demonstrated that compared with the external fixation, volar locked plate fixation showed better early recovery postoperatively. With time prolonged, clinical outcomes of both repair methods tended to be consistent.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：人工关节；骨植入物；脊柱；骨折；内固定；数字化骨科；组织工程

Key words: Radius Fractures, Fracture Fixation, Internal Fixators, External Fixators, Tissue Engineering

CLC Number:

R318

Lian Zhi-ming, Yang Jing, Zhang Tai-liang, Ma Chuang, Liu Qiang, Yang Guang-zhong. Bridging external fixation combined with Kirschner-wire fixation versus volar locked plate fixation for unstable fractures of the distal radius[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2016, 20(44): 6590-6598.

Figures/Tables 5

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