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.