@article{._2012, title={EFFICACY OF PLASTER CASTING VERSUS EXTERNAL FIXATION IN COMMINUTED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES}, volume={26}, url={https://jpmi.org.pk/index.php/jpmi/article/view/1306}, abstractNote={Objective: To compare the outcomes of plaster casting and external fixation in comminuted distal radius<br />fractures.<br />Methodology: This prospective study was conducted at District Headquarter Teaching Hospital and<br />Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital Bannu from February 2009 to September 2010. A total of 30 adult<br />patients having comminuted distal radius fractures were included in this study. They were classified<br />according to AO/ASIF-Classification. The patients were randomized to plaster casting and external fixation<br />by lottery method. Follow-up of each case was done for a total duration of 12 weeks. Radiographic<br />assessment and clinical evaluation was conducted during each visit. Any complications arising during this<br />period were recorded. The outcomes were assessed at the end of 12 weeks. For grading the results, Green<br />& OꞌBrien clinical scoring system was used.<br />Results: Out of 30 patients, 15 were treated with plaster casting and 15 with external fixation. The mean<br />age of patients in plaster casting group was 49.80 years + 16.05 SD and in external fixation group 51.47<br />years + 15.01 SD. According to AO-Classification, there were 8 type- A, 10 type- B and 12 type- C<br />fractures. Radiographic evaluation at 12 weeks in plaster casting group showed mean values of volar tilt<br />2.8667 º, radial height 6.0000 mm, radial inclination 14.2000 º and articular step-off 1.5200 mm. In the<br />external fixation group, mean value of volar tilt was 5.7333 º, radial height 8.2000 mm, radial inclination<br />18.8000 º and articular step-off 1.0467 mm. Clinical evaluation based on Green & O’Brien scoring system<br />showed 4 excellent, 3 good, 4 fair and 4 poor results in plaster casting group and 5 excellent, 6 good, 2<br />fair and 2 poor results in external fixation group.<br />Conclusion: External fixation is an acceptable surgical solution for the treatment of comminuted distal<br />radius fractures as compared to cast immobilization.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Postgraduate Medical Institute}, author={., Ismatullah}, year={2012}, month={Jun.} }