TREATMENT OF UNSTABLE DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES - METHODS AND COMPARISON OF EXTERNAL DISTRACTION AND ORIF VERSUS EXTERNAL DISTRACTION-ORIF NEUTRALIZATION

Twenty-six closed unstable distal radius fractures were treated using a combination of internal fixation, external distraction (intraoperati ve), and, in some cases, up to 4 weeks of postoperative external fixat ion (neutralization). Introperative stability check determined the nee d for external neutralization. This combined technique allowed a compr ehensive approach to even the most unstable fracture by merging the ad vantages of internal and external fixation. Up to 4 weeks of external fixation (neutralization) was not associated with the complications of external fixation usually reported.