Journal List > J Korean Soc Fract > v.12(2) > 1077743

Yang, Shin, Rhee, Lee, Hwang, Lee, and Choi: The Treatment of the displaced Distal Radius fractures-Prospective study-

Abstract

Fractures of the distal end of the radius, including Colles'fractures, represent the most common fractures of the upper extremity. Over the past years, many clinicians had thought of fractures of the distal radius as being a group of injuries with a relatively good prognosis. Today, fractures of the distal radius are recognized as very complex injuries with variable prognosis that depend upon the fracture type and the treatment given. We performed a prospective study in 51 patients(52 cases), by using treatment protocol of Palmer, we treated each fracture according to physiological age, activity, X-ray findings and stability after closed reduction. Final outcomes were evaluated by modified clinical scoring system, criteria for anatomical results and combined functional and anatomical results. Results by using modified clinical scoring system were excellent; 8 cases, good; 16 cases, fair; 22 cases, and poor; 6 cases. Results by using criteria for anatomical results were excellent; 8 cases, good; 26 cases, fair; 10 cases; and poor; 8 cases. In wrist rating scales of New York Orthopaedic Hospital, excellent; 7 cases, good; 32 cases, fair; 6cases, and poor; 7 cases. In our study, fractures of the distal radius were occurred frequently in active young male with high energy injuries. Criteria about acceptable range of reduction in treatment protocol of Palmer were too wide to obtain satisfactory results. Results from many assessment systems did not matched with each other because of differences of point of views. The results of this study proposed that even acceptable reduction is obtained, better outcomes will be brought by operative modality due to decreased frequency of reduction loss and radial shortening. And also, physical therapy after fracture treatment is considered as one of the important factors influencing functional results and the satisfaction of patients themselves.

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