Key words: intraarticular distal radius fractures, combined method, Kirschner wires, external fixator, radial nuolydis.

Summary. The aim of the study was to evaluate treatment results of intraarticular distal radius fractures using the combined method and to compare it to other methods. Material and methods. Between 2000 and 2003 we evaluated clinical results of 105 patients with intraarticular fracture of distal radius. Thirty-five patients underwent the repair of intraarticular fracture according to combined method (using Kirschner wires and external fixator), 30 patients – only with Kirschner wires and 40 patients – only with external fixator. Results were evaluated clinically and rentgenologically. The evaluation was made by scoring system according to J. J. Gartland and C. W. Werley (modified by A. Sarmiento). X-ray pictures were evaluated every 2 weeks till the 6th week ant after 6 months. Results. Using combined method, treatment results were good and very good for 28 patients, and satisfactory for 7 patients. In case when Kirschner wires were used, good and very good results were found in 17 patients, and satisfactory – in 13 ones. When only external fixators were used, good and very good results were observed in 26 patients and satisfactory – in 14 patients. There was statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusions. Better clinical treatment results of intraarticular distal radius fractures were achieved when combined method (using Kirschner wires and external fixator) was applied. Using other methods of treatment we observed more cases of secondary dislocations.

Correspondence to Nerijus Varnas, Kaunas Red Cross Hospital, Laisves ave. 17, 44320 Kaunas, Lithuania. E-mail: nerkav@one.lt

Received 31 August 2004, accepted 24 September 2004