Distal forearm fractures: The analytical approach to treatment

Background. Although distal radius fractures are in the centre of orthopedic surgeons' attention, the rate of unsatisfactory treatment results remains very high. This study evaluates the analytical approach to distal radius fracture treatment. Material and methods. We observed 59 patients divided into 4 groups according to a modified Fernandez classification, regarding the patomechanism of injury: 1. bending extraarticular fractures; 2. shearing fractures; 3. comminuted fractures, and 4. malunions. We also took account of patients' compliance and demands. 1st and 2nd group patients underwent ORIF, the 3rd group was subjected to external fixation, and the 4th group underwent radial corrective osteotomy with plating. Results. We obtained 53% good, 40% satisfactory and 7% poor results according to the Mattis score. Conclusions. We consider such analytical approach to distal forearm fracture treatment very promising and well-founded. © MEDSPORTPRESS, 2008.