Multipurpose external fixator for intraarticular fracture of distal radius.

Fracture of distal radius is one of a complicated injury which can be difficult in reduction and maintaining its alignment and may result in malunion and shortening following a variety of fixation. Since Anderson's and O'neil described the use of sustain traction by extraskeletal device anchored to the radius and the first metacarpal of the hand. Vidal et al [1979] demonstrated that the ligamentotaxis could be used to reduce the fracture around the wrist, ankle, hip and knee. The external fixation frame can maintain radial length and inclination by the pullout force from the radial styloid. External fixation is useful for management of complex intraarticular fracture of distal radius. There are few types of commercially available fixator. It is important to use one that allow versatility and follow biomechanic principles of ligamentotaxis, which can be used to reduce the severe comminution and the most difficult fracture by distraction and stabilization effectively. The ideal characteristic of the external fixation are: Telescoping connecting frame fixed externally compose of two joints which can be easily adjust in any direction, two pins clamp connected to the external connecting rod. Our TU Multipurpose external fixator can be designed as a multiplana, can be used as a bridge or non bridge fixation, and can be adjusted to any direction which require for the treatment of distal radius fracture. It is differed to other commercially available devices.