Comparative study of nonbridging and bridging external fixators for unstable distal radius fractures.

The purpose of this study was to compare nonbridging external fixators (group NB) with bridging external fixators (group B) in the treatment for unstable distal radius fractures. The subjects consisted of 84 patients, 42 in each group. Mean patient age was 64.0 years in group NB and 59.6 years in group B. According to Saito's classification, most fractures were of the comminuted Colles type. No bone graft was made in group NB. Patients of group B showed serious reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). On Saito's evaluation criteria, the proportion of patients evaluated as "good" or better was 100% in group NB and 95.6% in group B. This finding can be taken as evidence that group NB patients showed better results.