External fixation and bone grafting for collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture. Methods: Twenty-six patients with collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture were hospitalized from July 1998 to June 2003. All fractures were treated by the methods of open reduction, sustained bone grafting and passing joint external fixator to restore the anatomic shape of distal radius. Results: All 26 cases were followed up, and the results showed that the fractures have been united radiographically. The joint surfaces were intact and there was no length discrepancy occurred in patient's radius. The average volar tilt was 6° to 15° and the average ulnar tilt was 18° to 25°. According to the Dieust criterion, 19 cases were rated as excellent and 7 as good. Conclusions: The method that applying passing joint external fixator and bone grafting for the treatment of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture could maintain the stability of fracture and restore the length of radius and the intact of joint surface.