[Is external or internal distraction useful for treating distal radial fractures?].

The use of external fixation or internal plating to bridge communitive fractures of the distal radius is discussed based on a review of prospective and meta-analysis studies. Distraction by an external fixator is not advised (ligamentotaxis) because of the high incidence of complex regional pain syndrome and the destabilization of bone and ligaments surrounding the intra-articular fracture site. The external fixator must be used as a neutralization device and supplemented with K-wire or volar plate fixation.