Functional Outcome in Fractures of the Lower End Radius in Elderly Patients Treated by Static External Fixator.

Uttam Kumar Garg; V. P. Sharma

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2018

Functional Outcome in Fractures of the Lower End Radius in Elderly Patients Treated by Static External Fixator.

Uttam Kumar Garg, V. P. Sharma

Abstract :

Background: Fractures of the distal end radius represent the most common upper extremity fracture in elderly. The treatment problem includes not only achieving union in right anatomical position but also good functional results as far as joint mobility is concerned. Many types of external fixation devices are described to achieve reduction and fixation of the fragments without loss of position and acceptable functional results. The ligamentotaxis is the basic principle used by external fixation. The aim of the study was to assess the functional outcome in fractures of the lower end radius in elderly patients treated by static external fixator (Modified JESS).

Materials and Methods: A total of 52 wrists in 51 patients (24 males and 27 females), aged more than 50 years with intra-articular distal end radius fracture were treated with Modified Joshi�s External Stabilization System from 2003 to 2016. The patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 3 weeks, between 6 and 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and at 2 years after the surgery. The assessment of pain, range of motion, grip strength and activity were assessed at 6^th month, one year and two years follow- up and scored according to Green and O�Brien scoring system.

Results: Result was excellent in 42 (80.76%), good in 6 (11.54%) and poor in 4 (7.69%) at 2 years post operatively.

Conclusion: Ligamentotaxis using external fixator has been the traditional mode of treating unstable distal radius fractures and is still used by many as the preferred technique due to its acceptable results, easy application and cost-effective.