External fixation of distal radial fractures

From February 1995 until December 1997 we treated 48 patients aged between 26 and 79 years for distal radial fractures with external fixation. They we re treated in an Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthestragen (A.O.) construc t for periods of 5-10 weeks, the mean being 6 weeks. Forty patients were av ailable for follow up. Our indications for this procedure were: severe comm inuted displaced intra-articular fracture, severe shortening and inability to achieve fixation with other methods. The majority of patients had A.O. C lassification type C fractures. Patients at follow up had objective clinica l and radiological assessment as well;is a subjective functional evaluation . Results were calculated using Stewart's modification of Gartland and Werl ey's assessment criteria. Functionally 90% achieved an excellent or good re sult. Radiographically 95% had an excellent or good result. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.