[Treatment of comminuted fractures of the lower end of the radius with internal osteosynthesis, traction and early mobilization].
Goals for treatment of comminutive fractures of the distal radius include restoration of the articular profile of the proximal part of the joint, while axial loading forces must be avoided as much as possible to prevent secondary displacement. The choice of an internal fixation protected by an external wrist distractor-fixator, with early activo-passive mobilisation, seems to achieve the goal. Twelve patients with a comminuted fracture of the distal radius, including axial articular impigment displacement were reviewed for this study. All fractures were Frykman's type III, IV, VII or VIII. Distraction was done with a specific external apparatus, allowing an internal fixation, using an anterior plate and posterior Kirschner wires for the more complex cases. Distraction was released at the end of the surgical procedure, while the distractor was left in place. The wrist was mobilised early in the post-operative period, and the distractor was removed two months later. At a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, two patients were still painful. Mean motion of the wrist joint was 115 degrees for flexion-extension and 35 degrees for radio-ulnar deviation. Radiological results were good (10 cases), in both planes sagittal and frontal, and stable with time. The radio-ulnar index was correct in 11 cases. Only two cases of Sudeck's atrophy were noted. Authors use a specific external wrist distractor to obtain and maintain reduction in comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius, using internal fixation in combination. Early motion of the wrist, protected by the wrist distractor seems to lower rates of Sudeck's atrophy.