Abstract: Introduction: Treatment for intraarticular lower end radius fractures has been conventionally with closed reduction with plaster /k wires / external fixator or open reduction internal fixation with plate. We thought that by combining external fixator with k wires better anatomical and thus functional results would be obtained.
Material and methods: A prospective follow up study was carried out on 50 fresh closed intraarticular or unstable lower end radius at MIMER Medical College Talegaon from June 2014 to May 2018 after taking appropriate consents. Ligamentotaxis with external fixator was combined with k wires under C arm guidance. Patients were followed up at 3,6,9,12 weeks and 6 months clinically and radiographically.
Results: Average time for surgery was 34.2 min, radial shortening was less than 4 mm, and hospital stay was 2.3 days. Anatomical assessment was grade l or ll in 96 % patients. Good to excellent results by Lindstrom's criteria was there in 78% patients.
Conclusion: Combining external fixator with k wire fixation gives well to excellent results in majority of patients with unstable intraarticular distal end radius fractures without significant complications and with a short hospital stay.
