[The treatment and complications of intraarticular fractures of the distal radius].

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this trial was to determine the rate of complications and the cause of complications after intraarticular fractures of the distal radius. We examined those patients, who had intraarticular fractures of the distal radius and who were treated in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital and Kaunas Red Cross hospital in 1998-2000. The evaluation of results was made by movement of the joint and pain in the wrist, which was evaluated by pain scale and McGill pain questionnaire. Palmar slope, radial inclination and radial length were evaluated rentgenologically. Distal radioulnar joint was evaluated as well (with evaluation of scapholunate ligament condition). Patients were investigated 1.5 and 2 years after fracture.

RESULTS

There are more secondary dislocations and the shortening of radius in group that was treated by gypsum bandage. Good distraction of fracture ends is seen using external fixation, but strain of soft tissue gives complications: contraction of fingers, and instability of wrist. The incongruence of joint surface causes early arthrosis and pain. The injury of ligaments in the wrist, which can be seen by X-ray examination, causes instability of wrist and chronic pain.