[Treatment of radius fractures with a newly developed dynamic external fixator]

Abstract

Ligamentotaxis first described by Vidal presented the opportunity to treat wrist fractures near to the joint with external fixation. The first published results with this technique were surprisingly successful. As a result, since 1980 the author began, as one of the first in the German speaking regions, to treat radius fractures with the Hoffmann C-series external fixator. With a newly developed dynamic wrist fixator device 4 clinics have treated 104 fractures in a prospective study. These fractures were followed up 6 months later. Using the Lidström classification, the x-ray results were very good and good for 98% and moderate for 2% of treated fractures. Clinically the results were very good and good for 91% and moderate for 2% of treated fractures. Poor results were not recorded. 92% of the patients had a shortening of the radius of less than 2 mm. The sooner motion was initiated, the better the results were during the follow up. All the parameters such as x-ray evaluation, clinical evaluation, pain, strength, and in particular motion were improved when compared to a static fixator or motion after 14 postoperative days. The treatment time with this new dynamic wrist fixator device was reduced by two weeks compared to a static fixator. Cancellous bone grafting was never necessary.