Distal radius fractures

Summary

Evidence from four randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials suggests that treatment of acute distal radius fractures with wrist bridging external fixation compared with nonbridging external fixation leads to comparable results with respect to DASH functional scores, grip strength, extension, and VAS pain scores. There was conflicting evidence in regard to which method may provide the best final degree of flexion and length of ulnar variance. The total number of reported complications was greater for nonbridging fixation in three of the four trials; similarly, the percentage of patients with pin track infection was consistently higher in the nonbridging fixation groups. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Additional methodologically rigorous comparative studies with larger populations may help establish the long term safety and efficacy of these two treatments and establish the superiority of one treatment over another.