ARTHROSCOPIC-ASSISTED REDUCTION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES

The outcomes of seven patients with severe comminuted intraarticular f ractures of the distal radius treated by arthroscopic reduction and pe rcutaneous external fixation (ARPEF) were retrospectively reviewed. Al l of the fractures were classified as C3 types using the AO classifica tion scheme. Outcomes were evaluated using the Gartland and Werley fun ctional criteria, an objective wrist examination, a radiographic analy sis, and a self-assessment outcome form at an average followup of 27 m onths (range, 12 to 45 months). All patients were free of pain and had returned to their prior occupations. No patient had articular incongr uency of greater than 1 mm, and there was no evidence of radiocarpal d egenerative change. Active range of motion and maximal grip strength a veraged 92% and 98%, respectively, of the uninjured wrist. The techniq ue of arthroscope-assisted reduction and percutaneous external fixatio n yielded excellent results in a small group of patients, with minimal complications.