Hand and wrist function after external fixation of unstable distal radial fractures.

Twenty-eight patients with 31 fractures of the distal radius were treated by closed external fixation. The complication rate for this series was 50%. Anatomic results were acceptable but hand function at final review was disappointing, particularly in the measurement of grip strength and the patient's ability to perform the activities of daily living. There was a highly significant correlation between complications and poor functional outcome. Although external fixation can achieve restoration of normal anatomy, functional outcome may be poor because of the severity of the associated soft tissue injury.