Abstract: Background and Objectives: Distal radius fracture is one of the most common injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which are managed both conservatively and surgically. There are pitfalls, advantages and disadvantages in each method. The individual fracture analysis determines the therapeutic options.
The study was undertaken to compare the clinical and functional outcome of intra-articular fractures of distal end of radius with conservative management and surgical management. To infer the appropriate management by assessing the scope of conservative management in case of intra-articular fractures of distal end of radius.
Methods: This is a prospective study of 80 cases of intra-articular distal radius fracture admitted to Sri Siddhartha medical college, hospital and research centre between February 2015 and March 2017 treated with either conservative or surgical methods (K-wire, External fixation and Plating). Functional and radiological outcomes were evaluated.
Results: In our series of 80 patients, 48 were male and 32 were female. Most of the patients were between 20-30 years of age (Minimum 20, maximum 80 and mean 40.35 years). Most commonly the mode of injury, wrist involvement and fracture type were Road traffic accidents (45%), Right side (51.25%) and Frykman’s type III (41.7%) and AO type C2.2 (19%) respectively.
Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that surgical management is better than conservative in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal end of radius.
