Early clinical experience with Orthofix external fixation of complex distal radius fractures.

Twelve patients with complex fractures of the distal radius were treated with the Orthofix external fixation system (EBI Medical Systems, Fairfield, NJ). On follow up physical examination, the average wrist dorsiflexion was 46 degrees, and the average volar flexion was 55 degrees. The average grip strength in the involved hand was 38 lb force. The average final radial angle was 18 degrees, and the average residual radial height was 12 mm. Average volar tilt was 3 degrees. The complication rate was 42%. Very rigid axial stability is afforded by the fixator, but the large 3.5 mm tapered bone screw diameter precludes redrilling for screw adjustment. The apparatus needs frequent monitoring to reconfirm the security of the locking nuts and cam mechanisms, and the Orthofix system can be reused only four times.