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. 2019 Sep 24;11(3):7809.
doi: 10.4081/or.2019.7809.

Long term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation versus external fixation of distal radius fractures: A meta-analysis

Conor Gouk  1   2 , Shu-Kay Ng  3 , Matthew Knight  1 , Randy Bindra  1   2 , Michael Thomas  1
Affiliations

Long term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation versus external fixation of distal radius fractures: A meta-analysis

Conor Gouk et al. Orthop Rev (Pavia). .

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in the clinical setting. Of these common fractures, it has been said that up to 60% are intraarticular in nature. Intra-articular or unstable and comminuted fractures represent severe and high energy injuries. Despite a large amount of literature, it is surgeon preference which determines the fixation method employed. There are only a few randomised control trials that report 2-year outcomes. There has yet to be a meta-analysis comparing the long-term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and external fixation (EF). The aim of this metaanalysis is to identify any difference in the outcomes of either fixation method in the long term. We pooled the data of all the available randomised control trials that followed the patients for a minimum of 2 years and compared outcomes of ORIF against EF of distal radius fractures as per PRISMA guidelines from inception of the databases to December 2016. We then performed our meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. Flexion/extension arcs were significantly improved in ORIF, and 7 of the 10 analysed outcomes supported ORIF, although most not to a significant degree. The meta-analysis indicated that there is no difference in outcomes with either form of treatment. Even though the flexion extension arc was statistically better in the ORIF group, the difference is not clinically meaningful.

Keywords: Distal radius; fixation; trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: the authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Table and forest plot illustrating the meta-analysis for flexion/extension arc.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Table and forest plot illustrating the meta-analysis for grip strength deficit when compared to the contra-lateral side.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Table and forest plot illustrating the meta-analysis for complication rates.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Table and forest plot illustrating the meta-analysis for functional scoring QuickDASH.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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