Are external fixators as effective as volar plates in multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures (AO type C)?

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol

Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Atakent Mh, Turgut Özal Bulvari No:46/1, Küçükçekmece, 34303, Istanbul, Turkey.

Published: July 2023

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study compared the outcomes of two surgical methods, VP and EF, for treating complex distal radius fractures in 80 patients.
  • Both groups showed no significant differences in demographic characteristics or clinical and radiological results, indicating similar effectiveness of the treatments.
  • The findings suggest that EF is a viable and safe alternative to VP for these types of fractures.

Article Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical results of VP and EF applications in multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures (AO type C) in our clinic.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed 80 patients who underwent surgery for radius distal fracture (AO type C) between 2014 and 2020. Group 1 comprised patients who were treated with VP, and Group 2 comprised patients who were treated with EF. Radiological evaluation was performed by measuring radial inclination, radial length, volar tilt, intra-articular step-off and ulnar variance by two-way radiography. The clinical findings were evaluated using the Gartland and Werley scoring system, and complications were noted.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, side, fracture subtypes and follow-up time (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in radiological parameters (based on cut-off values) (p > 0.05). The clinical evaluation did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.613).

Conclusion: EF is as successful as VP in providing radiological cut-off values. EF treatment can be used as an effective and safe alternative method for multi-fragmented radius distal intra-articular fractures.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00590-022-03351-7DOI Listing

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