Efficacy of different fixation devices in maintaining an initial reduction for surgically managed distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND Fracture of the distal radius is a common injury. Many treatment options exist for the surgical management of extra-articular and intra-articular distal radius fractures. The best method of treatment for these fractures remains controversial. We sought to examine radiographic outcomes of patients treated with non-spanning external fixator (NSEF), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plates and screws or closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) and compare their ability to maintain radiographic parameters over the initial 6-week postoperative period. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of radiographs showing 211 distal radius fractures treated with NSEF, ORIF or CRPP. We examined the images for a variety of radiological parameters. Measurements were taken immediately postoperatively and at 6-week follow-up to determine whether there was any loss of reduction. RESULTS Of the 211 fractures, 104 (49.3%) were type-A fractures, 12 (5.7%) were type-B fractures and 95 (45.0%) were type-C fractures. The 3 treatments maintained the reduction obtained at surgery until healing. The CRPP and ORIF treatments failed to maintain correction in ulnar variance for the 6-week period; however, only ORIF actually changed the ulnar variance from presurgical values. CONCLUSION Treatment with ORIF for comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures produces good radiographic results with maintenance of surgical radiographic parameters, whereas NSEFand CRPP of less complex fractures also provide good results. This suggests that fracture-specific fixation with CRPP or NSEF are sufficient for certain distal radius fractures.