The radio-radial external fixator in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius. J Hand Surg [Br

The technique of radio-radial monobloc-fixation with the small AO external fixator device has been applied to 17 consecutive Colles ’ fractures. The fracture types were mainly A3 and C2, according to the AO classification. We found this technique to be easy and quick in application and stable in fixation. Direct, precise and atraumatic reduction can be achieved by using the distal pins as joy-sticks. Furthermore, disimpaction of the fracture to regain length is possible without bone grafting. Normal carpal mobility and load transfer is preserved during fracture healing and the injured hand can be used in daily life with certain restrictions. To prevent pin-track infections, early mobilization of the wrist should be avoided. We recommend this technique in the treatment of comminuted AO-type A3 fractures of the distal radius and in certain type C2 cases. Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume, 1999) 24B: 5: 604–609 Loss of reduction and malunion are common problems in fractures of the distal radius (Jenkins,1989; Jupiter, PATIENTS AND METHODSFig 1 Joy-stick manipulation allows direct, three-dimensional positioning of the articular plane by the distal pins.1991). Although the first description of an external fixator in the treatment of forearm fractures by Ombrédanne (1929) was of a radio-radial device, littl