Abstract
We used a bridging type Stablelock external fixator as a subsidiary fixation device following internal fixation of distal radial fracture. Herein we summarize the short-term results of 38 distal radial fractures in 8 men and 30 women between 31 and 86-years-old (average age 62 years, 14 right radii and 24 left radii). All subjects underwent surgery between July 2003 and May 2004. The interval until surgery was 0-14 days, the average was 4 days. The observation period was 2-7 months, average 3.8 months. We used the evaluation classification by Saitou, the fracture type was accord-ing to the AO classification, which also measured radial inclination (RI), volar tilt (VT), ulnar variance (UV), and radial length (RL), using the mean values of the postoperative period. The average score was 4.2 points: Excellent in 13, Good in 24 and Fair in 1 case. The average active ROM was: flexion 53.3°, extension 51.3°, internal rotation 72.2°, external rotation 82.7°. Grip strength was 65% in comparison to the healthy side. The amount of correction loss was more equal in comparison with other reports. Using the bridging type Stablelock external fixator the operation time was short. By using this external fixator the results that were obtained were equal almost with the results that were obtained by using the other non-bridging type external fixator, if attention is paid to the occurrence of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
