[Is the static external fixator a suitable method in the treatment of multi-fragmented fractures of the distal radius?].

We present a retrospective study of 21 patients treated with an external fixator for comminuted fractures of the distal radius from May 1993 until May 1994. Mean follow-up was 14.5 months after operation. The 21 patients were on average 59 years old. The distal radius fractures were classified according to the AO: Type A2 (four times), Type A3 (two times), Type C1 (one time), C2 (nine times), C3 (five times). We mounted the external fixator generally in a static way. After two weeks it was dynamized. The fixator was removed after four to at least six weeks. An additional osteosynthesis with Kirschner wires was performed in twenty cases. Three times we added a primary cancellous bone graft, in one case an implantation of Endobone was used.