Nonbridging external fixation in the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal forearm.

Introduction: Unstable fractures of the distal forearm often require surgical treatment to restore the normal anatomy and function. We have used a relatively new technique, nonbridging external fixation, in the treatment of these fractures in our hospital during the past few years. Our results are presented here.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-two patients (41 female, 11 male) with an unstable fracture of the distal forearm were treated using nonbridging external fixation at Oulu University Hospital during 1996-1999. The patients' mean age was 57 years. There were 45 Colles-type fractures, and 7 distal radius fractures had a concomitant distal ulna fracture. Forty-three patients were reviewed after a mean of 16 months of follow-up to assess radiological, functional, and subjective results.

Results: The fixation device maintained reduction well during healing, and the final radiological result was good. Range-of-motion and grip strength were restored to levels of 87-98% compared with the uninjured forearm. The subjective result was rated as 8 (mean) on a scale of 0-10. Pin-tract infection was a common complication (19%), but such cases were easily treated with antibiotics.

Conclusion: Nonbridging external fixation offers an easy, minimally invasive, and reliable technique in the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal forearm.