A Comparative Analysis of Surgical Management using External Fixation and Internal Fixation in Unstable Comminuted Fracture of Distal Radius.

To compare the effects of External fixation and internal fixation in Surgical Management of unstable comminuted fracture of distal radius. To evaluate functional results, advantages, disadvantages and complications of external and Internal fixation in treatment of unstable comminuted fracture of distal radius. METHODS This is a prospective study, non randomized study, study period includes January 2014 to September 2015. 68 patients were included in the study. 34 patients underwent Internal fixation and 34 patients underwent External fixation. Functional outcome of the patient was assessed using DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) Method. RESULTS The difference in functional outcome of patients with comminuted unstable fractures of distal radius treated with surgical techniques such as External fixation and Internal fixation was not found to the statistically significant (P = 0.3955) In our study, sex of patient, Age of patient, side involved, Mode of Injury, Type of fracture were also found to be statistically insignificant in determining functional outcome of patient. CONCLUSION The current study shows in surgical treatment of comminuted unstable fractures of distal radius, both external fixation and Internal fixation shows equally good results