The external fixation can be a good alternative to plate-screw treatment in the surgical treatment of bilateral distal radius fractures: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the outcomes of two surgical treatment options, external fixator (EF) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), in patients with bilateral distal radius fractures (DRFs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (11 males 10 females; mean age: 40.0±16.0 years; range, 20 to 67 years) who underwent ORIF (n=10) or EF (n=11) due to bilateral DRF at between January 2011 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) was used to calculate functional and symptomatic evaluation. The MAYO wrist scores were used to evaluate pain, functional status, ROM, and grip strength and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ) was used to measure hand performance in daily life. RESULTS: The operation time was statistically significantly longer in the ORIF group, compared to the EF group (p<0.001). Radial shortening was statistically significantly greater in the EF group, compared to the ORIF group (p<0.001). While the Q-DASH score was lower in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months (p<0.001, for each), it was similar between the groups at one year (p=0.507). The MAYO wrist score was higher in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months and one year (p<0.05, for each). While the MHOQ score was higher in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months (p<0.001, for each), it was similar between the groups at one year (p=0.557). CONCLUSION: In bilateral DRF cases, hand functions in the first two months after treatment were better in the EF group, compared to the ORIF group. This functional difference between the two groups gradually decreased in the first year and reached similar levels. Our results demonstrate that EF can be a good alternative in the surgical treatment of bilateral DRFs owing to its acceptable results, particularly in the short-term.