Sanjeev Kumar Kare1, Prasanna Kumar Lukalapu2, Sivananda Patri3, Varun Kumar Paka4, Lavanya Paka5, Rajeev Kumar Giri6
BACKGROUND
Fracture of the distal radius (‘broken wrist’) is a common clinical problem. It can be treated conservatively usually involving wrist immobilisation in a plaster cast or surgically. A key method of surgical fixation is external fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was carried out on 66 patients admitted between June 2014 to May 2016 for evaluation of conservative and surgical management of distal radius fractures.
RESULTS
Excellent, fair or good result was noticed in around 85% of cases managed conservatively and in above 90% of cases managed by external fixator.
CONCLUSION
There is some evidence to support the use of external fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius in adults. Though, there is insufficient evidence to confirm a better functional outcome, external fixation reduces redisplacement gives improved anatomical results and most of the excess surgically-related complications are minor.
