The treatment of severely comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal radius

Comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius are caused by high-energy trauma and present as shear and impacted fractures of the articular surface of the distal radius with displacement of the fragments. The force of the impact and the position of the hand and carpal bone determine the pattern of articular fragmentation and their displacement and the amount and the extent of frequent concommitant ligament and carpal bone injury. The result of the osseous lesion in comminuted fractures was termed "pilon radiale", which emphasizes the amount of damage to the distal radius and the difficulties to be expected in restoring the articular congruity. Besides this the additional injury, either strain of disruption of the ligaments and the displacement of the carpus and/ or the triangular fibrocartilage complex will equally influence the functional outcome. This review will expand on the relevant anatomy, correct classification and diagnosis of the fracture, diagnostic tools and operative treatment options. Current treatment concepts are analysed with regard to actual literature using the tools of evidence based medicine criteria. A new classification of severely comminuted distal radius fractures is proposed using CT data of 250 complex intraarticular radius fractures. Finally a standardized treatment protocol using external fixation in combination with minimal invasive internal osteosynthesis is described.