Recurrent dorsal angulation of the distal radius fracture during dynamic external fixation

Thirty-three fractures of the distal radius treated with a dynamic external fixator (that allowed for wrist motion between 2 to 4 weeks after surgery) were analyzed, focusing on loss of fracture reduction during external fixation. Fractures with preoperative dorsal angulation greater than 20 degrees and those involving the distal radioulnar joint had a significantly larger loss of reduction of dorsal angulation (8.9 degrees and 6.9 degrees, respectively) than fractures with less severe preoperative dorsal angulation or those with an intact distal radioulnar joint (3.0 degrees and 2.6 degrees, respectively). In contrast, preoperative radial shortening (>2 mm) and involvement of the radiocarpal joint did not significantly increase the loss of dorsal angulation. Neither of the 2 dynamic external fixation systems studied consistently stabilized Colles' fractures with preoperative dorsal angulation of greater than 20 degrees or involvement of the distal radioulnar joint. Copyright (C) 1998 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.