Fixation of extra articular distal radial fractures with non bridging external fixator.

Severely comminuted fractures of distal radius often lead to impairment of wrist function. A prospective study was performed on 30 patients aged between 35-65 years of extra-articular fractures of distal radius. All patients were treated with closed manipulation of the fracture an application of non-bridging (radio radial) external fixator under radiological control. At six months after the injury functional results were good with near normal movements of the wrist and hand. Radiological fracture alignment was satisfactory with no significant shortening of the radius. There were no re-displacements and none of the patients required a second operation. Superficial pin site infection occurred in two patients without pin loosening. We recommend non bridging external fixator as a good method of treatment of extra articular fractures of the distal radius in younger patients.