Objective: To observe restoration of the wrist function and complications of Colles fracture treated with different kinds of external fixation.
Methods: Two hundreds and seventy-five patients with Colles fracture during March 1998 to Oct 2006 which were fixed with three kinds of external fixation were analyzed retrospectively. Group A: there were 95 patients, 61 male, 34 female, with an average age of (26.2 +/- 0.4) years, fixed by the small moulding plywood on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position; Group B:90 patients, 61 male, 29 female, with an average age of (24.0 +/- 1.5) years, fixed by the small moulding plywood on the wrist in mild palmar flexion; Group C: 90 patients, 65 male, 25 female, with an average age of (25.0 +/- 2.1) years, fixed by plaster on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position. According to the Frykaman typing,number of type I to VIII in group A was 25, 31, 20, 11, 3, 2 ,2, 1 in turn,type I to VIII in group B was 22, 30, 17, 9, 4, 4, 2, 2 in turn; type I to VIII in group C was 24, 30, 18, 9, 4, 3, 1, 1 in turn. Comparing the age, sex and the type of fracture, there were no statistical significant differences among three groups. After 6 to 18 months following-up survey, the restoration of the wrist and complication incidence were statistically analyzed.
Results: To compare the restoration of the wrist joint and complication incidence after various fixation, there were significant differences between group A and B and C (P < 0.05) in statistics.
Conclusion: The treatment of the Colles fracture by the small moulding plywood fixation on the wrist in mild dorso-extend or neutral position is benefit to restore the wrist joint function and has fewer complications..