Bridging External Fixator with Percutaneous Pinning in Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures. They can happen at any age group, and there are several treatment options and several classification systems for these fractures. One of these classifications is that of Fernandez. In this study, we evaluated the results of treatment of distal radius fractures by bridging external fixator and percutaneous pinning. In a cross-sectional study, 72 patients with Fernandez type 3, 4 and 5 that underwent external fixation and percutaneous pinning for comminuted distal radius fractures were followed and assessed after 3 and 6 months. The 72 patients had mean age of 44.2 years. 55% were male. The most common cause of fractures was vehicle accidents. 4 cases of malunion, 4 radial nerve injuries, 2 fixator loosening and 6 cases of infection were encountered. External fixator supplemented by percutaneous pinning is an efficient technique for treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. It has low rate of complication and high rate of patient's satisfaction.