Faraz Ahmed, Ashraf Nizami, Shah M A, Talat Bashir Khan.
Definitive treatment of closed bilateral distal radius fractures with mini external fixator.
J Pak Orthop Assoc Jan ;21(2):52-7.

Objectives: We conducted this study to device a method for fixation of both radii which will help the patient to be independent at the earliest possible time. Patient & methods: Data of all patients with closed bilateral distal radius fractures admitted to Social security hospital Multan road from January 2000 to June 2006 were included in this study. Results: There were seven females (58.3 %) and five males (41.7 %) with the mean age of 47 years (range 31years to 63 years). Union was achieved within 7.6 weeks (6.2 – 12). 10 fractures (41.66%) had excellent Gartland & Werley`s wrist score at final visit. 10 fractures (41.66%) had good Gartland & Werley`s wrist score at final visit. 03 fractures (12.3%) had fair Gartland & Werley`s wrist score at final visit. One fracture (04.1%) had poor Gartland & Werley`s wrist score at final visit. Complications: There were three mal unions, one delayed union, four pin tract infections and one patient developed chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Conclusion: Primary application of external fixator across the wrist for bilateral closed distal radius fractures is an effective method (83.3%) in most of the patients in our series. There is immediate rehabilitation and functional freedom of patients as they were able to use their hands as soon as pain subsided i.e. within 48 hours.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com