Abstract
Five patients with unstable comminuted fractures of the distal radius were treated by Clyburn external fixation. Two extra-articular fractures of them were A3 according to AO classification. Three intra-articular fractures of them were comminuted Colles according to Saito's method, corresponding to Melone's type IV. The intra-articular fragments were fixed intrernally with K-wire or AO small screw to restore the joint surface. We combinated bone grafts to prevent for collapse of the fragments, if necessary. The average follow-up duration was 10 months ranging from 6 to 20 months.
The results were excellent in 2, good in one, fair in 2 according to Saito' s evaluation system.
The intra-articular fractures in which the fragments were small and difficult to fix with plates, and the extra-articular fractures with severely comminuted metaphysis demanded external fixation. Clyburn external fixation was very useful to allow early motion of the wrist in the frame.
