[Results of distraction by way of external metacarporadial fixation in fracture of the distal end of the radius. Apropos of 97 cases]. / Résultats de la distraction par fixateur externe métacarporadial dans les fractures de l'extrémité distale du radius. A propos de 97 cas.

ABSTRACT

104 fractures cases were treated over 5 years using this method, which is reserved for the most critical cases (less than one fourth the total number of fractures of the distal end of the radius); 97 of those were reviewed by an impartial observer. The technique consists in distractive reduction, maintained by a small external holding device interconnecting two pins inside the radius and two pins in the 2nd metacarpal bone. Usually, the device is removed after 45 days. Subjective results were rated "very good" in 62.8% of cases, while post-mobilization, radiological and overall findings rated likewise in 61.8%, 40.2% and 63.9% of cases, respectively. Half the patients presented secondary displacement, which although usually minimal, did necessitate in 6 cases a new reduction (using the same device). Algodystrophy occurred in 17 cases and constituted the main source of complications. It increased in frequency proportionally to the degree of distraction applied. At long term, important finger stiffness persisted only in 3 cases. Thus, the quality of results obtained makes external fixator distraction a choice therapeutic method in hard-to-manage fractures.