Functional outcome of communited intra articular distal radius fractures managed by fragment specific fracture fixation: A Prospective study.

AIM : To assess functional outcome of communited intra articular distal radius fractures managed by fragment specific fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS : Inclusion criteria : 1. Age 18-50 years, 2. Patients > 50 years with high functional demand, 3. Intra articular distal radius fractures with more than 2mm articular step off, 4. > 0 degree dorsal tilt, 5. 2mm or more of radial shortening, 6. Loss of 5 degree or more of radial inclination. Exclusion criteria : 1. Skeletal immaturity, 2. Extra articular fractures, 3. Undisplaced intra articular fractures, 4. Open fractures, 5. Pathological fractures, 6. Old fractures, 7. Associated neurovascular injuries . Study Centre : Govt. Kilpauk Medical College . Study Design : Prospective study. RESULTS : 20 patients with communited intra articular distal radius fractures were managed with fragment specific fracture fixation and were assessed with Gartland and Werley scoring system.15 patients(75%) had excellent results and 5 patients(20%) had good results CONCLUSION : We conclude that fragment specific fracture fixation for distal radius fractures gives excellent outcome and using combinations of low profile plates in communited intra articular distal radius fractures is a very good treatment option