Intra-articular Fractures of Distal Radius; Outcome of Treated with Bridging (static) External Fixator

..Objective: To assess the radiological and functional outcome of external fixator in the treatment of intar-articular fractures of distal radius. Study design: Descriptive case series. Place and duration of study: Orthopaedic unit District Headquarter Hospital Temargarha Lower Dir from March 2013 to March 2014. Material and methods: Twenty five patients of intra-articular fracture distal radius fulfilling the inclusion criteria were treated with AO external fixator by ligamentotaxis. Preoperative and postoperative radiograph measurements were taken of radial inclination, radial tilt, and radial length, and fractures were classified according to the AO system. The fixator was removed after 6-8 week and functional assessment was done using Gartland and Werely point system at monthly interval for six months. Results: Eighteen male (72%) and 7(28%) females mean age 43.1 years with intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with external fixator. Preoperative mean radial inclination(10.5 degree) radial tilt(29 degrees dorsal) and radial length(6.3 mm) were reported postoperatively as 18.8 degrees,8 degrees volar and 10 mm respectively at final follow up visit. The functional evaluation by Gartland and Werley's point system reported excellent (60% patients) ,good(20%) and fair(12%) at final follow up visit. One (4%) patient could not achieve union while one (4%) malunion was reported. Conclusions: Bridging external fixator(static) yields excellent radiological and functional results in majority of intra-articular distal radius fractures.