Intraarticular distal radial fractures

Summary

Results of four randomized controlled trials, Class of evidence (CoE) II, comparing external fixation (EF) with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures described no consistent benefit of one treatment over another. Grip strength was better among those treated with EF compared with ORIF in two studies, but statistical significance was not consistent. No statistically significant differences in wound infection or reflex sympathetic dystrophy were seen between treatment groups. Larger, methodologically sound randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the superiority of one treatment over the other for intra-articular distal radius fractures.