Ahmed J Arshad, Kashif Mahmood, Anisuddin Bhatti.
Radial length and radial angle in closed reduction plaster cast immobilization versus external fixation in comminuted intra articular fracure of distal radius.
J Pak Orthop Assoc Jan ;25(1):14-7.

Objectives: To compare mean difference in radial length and radial angle in closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization versus external fixation in comminuted intra articular fractures of distal radius and to determine union rate without significant collapse of the fracture. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopedics, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from April 2009 to October 2009. Patients and Methods: Patients of either sex with comminuted intra articular distal radius fracture were included in this study, those with co-morbidities were excluded. They were randomly divided into two groups, one treated by surgery using external fixation and the other by POP cast for distal radius fractures. Radial length and radial angle was measured pre and post procedure. Data of radial length, angle and union rate were recorded on proforma. Clinical and radiological follow up was done on monthly interval for 3 months. Mean differences were determined using Student’s t test in SPSS Version 12. Results: 40 patients were in both groups. In external fixator group average post operative radial length was 11 mm and radial angle was 12.52 degrees, where as in POP cast group average radial length was 9mm and radial angle was 11.58 degrees. The difference in post procedure radial length in both groups was significant (p value <0.001). The difference of radial angles was not significant (p value 0.286). All patients in both groups achieved satisfactory union. Conclusion: The results show that external fixator is a handy tool and is easy to apply, and a better method for achieving radial length, angulations and union in distal radius intra articular fractures.

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