Altamirano CMA, Ochoa OL, Domínguez BCA, Pelaez DP

Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 23-28
PDF size: 202.40 Kb.

ABSTRACT

In displaced and unstable fractures of the distal radius (AO ranking 23C), the treatment is anatomic reduction and stable fixation to achieve anatomic fracture consolidation and facilitate early joint mobilization. Although osteosynthesis with modular external fixators has been widely used, open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures have been gaining popularity. The objective of this study is to present and compare functional outcomes in unstable displaced fractures of the distal radius managed by external fixation or with volar locking compression plates using validated scales: Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) and Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and establish which treatment has better short-term results. 15 patients underwent surgery with locking compression plates using a volar approach of Henry, and 15 patients by placing external fixation. When applying the MWS two months later, a statistically significant difference was obtained, with excellent results for the group managed with locking compression plate (p = 0.01) and good to satisfactory results in the group managed with external fixation; however, after five months, the Mayo Wrist Score got p = 0.11, with excellent to good results without statistically significant difference. On the Quick DASH scale of patient satisfaction, at five months we obtained a statistically significant difference (p = 0.05) favoring the group managed with locking compression plate, which reported good and excellent results, while the external fixator group showed good to satisfactory results. Both treatments produce good results in the long term; however, management with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate presents in the short term a significant improvement in range of motion, decreased pain and recovery of muscle strength, which lead to an early return to work activities and less economic loss for the patient and the institution.

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