Arthroscopically assisted reduction with volar plating or external fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in the elderly patients.

Twenty-eight patients older than 70 years with AO type C fracture of the distal radius were treated with arthroscopically assisted reduction combined with volar plating or external fixation. The patients were followed up for an average of 24.9 +/- 16.1 months. The average score was 80.1 +/- 10.5 according to the modified system of Green and O'Brien. Eight patients had an excellent result, 11 had a good result, seven had a fair result, and two had a poor result. Twenty-three patients were able to return to their previous activities level or occupation without any restriction. On the basis of these results, we concluded that arthroscopically assisted reduction combined with volar plating or external fixation is one of the useful options for the treatment of a displaced intra-articular fracture of the distal radius in elderly patients who are physiologically young or active.