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DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713393
Analysis of the Clinical and Radiological Results of Bridge Plate Versus External Fixation in Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures[*]
Article in several languages: português | English
Abstract
Objective To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with comminuted distal radius fractures treated with an external fixator or a dorsal bridge plate.
Methods In total, 45 patients were analyzed 1 year after surgery; 18 were treated with an external fixator, and 25 received a dorsal bridge plate. An analog pain scale and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were applied, in addition to radiographic, strength and range of motion assessments. Statistical analyzes were performed using the chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test.
Results Fractures were more common in women over 60 years old who suffered falls from their own height. Both methods demonstrated similar functional and radiological results. Infections were more prevalent in patients receiving external fixators, but their residual grip strength was better. Reflex sympathetic neuropathy was more common in subjects treated with a dorsal bridge plate.
Conclusion Our analysis showed no consensus on the superiority of one method over the other. Each method had advantages and disadvantages, but both led to good, similar outcomes. The treatment must be chosen according to the profile of the trauma, the patient's clinical conditions, the surgeon's experience, and the availability of materials.
* Study developed at Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia de Joinville, Hospital Municipal São José, Joinville, SC, Brazil.
Publication History
Received: 16 August 2019
Accepted: 15 April 2020
Article published online:
24 September 2020
© 2020. Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
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