Abstract

• PURPOSE : To evaluate the role of the additional external fixator in maintenance of reduction with was known as an important prognostic factor for the treatment of intra-articular distal radius frctures. MATERIAL AND METHOD : Thirty cases of unstalbe intra-articular fractures of the distal radius, which were treated by operative method, were classified by Frykman's method and grouped in two(group A and B). The group A was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation and long arm cast immobilization. The group B was treated by treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation with use of additional external fixator. The end results were evaluated by the Demerit Point Rating System(by Sarmiento) & radiologic evaluation(radiologic index : radial length, radial tilt, volar tilt) RESULTS : By the Demerit point rating system, excellent and good results were rated by 45.5% in group A and 75% in group B and poor results were found in 3 cases which were Frykman type VII or VIII in group A. Radiologically, radial length loss was rated by 11%, radial tilt loss by 10.8% and volar tilt loss by 47% in group A and 3.1%, 6.8%, 29% each in group B(p<0.05). CONCLUSION : We think that additional use of external fixator, after percutaneous K-wire fixation, may have an important role in maintenance of reduction and group prognosis for the treament of intra-articular distal radius fractures.
• Key words: distal radius, intra-articular fractures, percutaneous K-wire fixation, external

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