Abstract
Objective: We aimed to compare the radiographic and functional results of extra-articular metaphyseal fractures of the distal radius treated with closed reduction and plaster casting (CRPC) and bridging external fixation (EF).
Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 65 patients with distal radius fractures. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. Patients were divided into two groups, which were called the CRPC group and bridging EF group. All fractures were AO/OTA type A3. All patients were evaluated with Green and O'Brien Score modified by Cooney, Mayo Wrist Score and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) at the end of the first year.
Results: The mean age was 54.32±8.61 years in the CRPC group and 56.65±8.31 years in the Bridging EF group. The mean follow-up time was 24.06±8.67 months in the CRPC group and 24.88±9.2 months in the bridging EF group. When the fractures were compared radiologically during the evaluation at the end of the first year, radial inclination and radial length results in the bridging EF group were statistically significant compared to the CRPC group. When the range of motions was compared in the fractures during the clinical examination, they were statistically significant in the bridging EF group compared to the CRPC group. There was no statistical significance in Green and Mayo scores in terms of the scoring between the groups. DASH score was 10.88±2.99 in the CRPC group and 5.73±2.57 in the bridging EF group, and it was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Bridging EF treatment can be recommended as one of the primary treatment options in AO/OTA type A3 radius fractures, whose soft tissue does not allow open surgery, because it is a less invasive technique and provides successful clinical results.