PINS AND PLASTER VS EXTERNAL FIXATION IN THE TREATMENT OF UNSTABLE DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES - A RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

90 unstable fractures of the distal radius were studied in a randomize d, prospective manner. Followup consisted of patient questionnaire, me dical record review, therapist evaluation and radiography at 4 months, 1 year and 2 years post-operatively. Overall results were good or exc ellent in 94%. No significant differences were found between treatment groups (external fixation and pins and plaster) in final results, ran ge of motion, intrinsic tightness, grip strength, or the presence of a rthritis. The complication rate was high for both groups (45%), and ha lf of the complications were major. External fixation maintained radia l length more effectively (significantly in those patients followed fo r 2 years) but was associated with higher initial costs (20 times) and a greater number of minor complications.