scholarly journals Use of Cobra External Fixator for treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Niraj Ranjeet ◽  
Pratyenta Raj Onta ◽  
Krishna Sapkota ◽  
Pabin Thapa ◽  
Krishna Wahegoankar ◽  
...  

Background: Distal radius fractures are one of the commonest injuries only after clavicle fractures. These fractures poses challenges to the treating surgeons as a result of which these fractures are sometime treated unacceptably and leads to poor outcome. Among various treatment options for these fractures wrist sparing Cobra external fixator is one of the options with an impressive stability and outstanding functional outcomes.Aims and Objectives: To determine whether this system can achieve adequate reduction of a variety of DRF, is able to maintain reduction despite hand and wrist movements, whether it compromises hand and wrist functions and leads to long term problems.Materials and Methods: From July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017, all skeletally matured patients with acute distal radius fractures (AO-A2, B1, C1, C2) were adequately reduced and fixed with Cobra ex-fix. Immediately post-op patients were encouraged to start range of motion of the wrist as the pain decreased. The patients were followed up in 2,4 and 8 weeks and were analyzed clinically, radiologically, their functional outcomes and any complications.Results: Twenty-two patients were included in our study. Nine were males and 13 were females. Using the AO classification, 15 were classified as A2, 2 were B1, 3 were C1, and 2 were C2. The mean number of weeks the cobra fixator was maintained was 5.3 weeks. The Cobra ex-fix was able to achieve excellent maintenance of radial height and radial inclination and good maintenance of dorsal tilt. Recovery of functional activities according to Gartland and Werley’s functional scoring system was good to excellent in all patients at 8 weeks follow-up.Conclusion: The Cobra external fixation system is an outstanding device for use in fractures of the distal radius. It achieves superior anatomic correction and is dependable in maintaining fracture reduction even with hand and wrist use.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(6) 2018 84-89

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Nazar ◽  
R. Mansingh ◽  
R.S. Bassi ◽  
M. Waseem

This unique postal survey was setup to assess the agreement on treatment options in displaced distal radius fractures and whether or not there existed a consensus amongst the surgeons contacted. With this in view we contacted 244 surgeons and 166 completed answers were received. We chose two common examples of displaced distal radius fractures. Case one was a 38 year old teacher with a closed, displaced extra-articular fracture (Frykman type II) of her left non-dominant hand and case two was a 42 year old carer, with a closed, displaced intra-articular fracture (Frykman type VII) of her right dominant wrist. There was a questionnaire included with these radiographs. In the first case, 82 (49%) surgeons favoured MUA + K-wiring, 47 (28%) favoured volar plating and 14 (8%) an external fixator. In the second case, 28 (17%) surgeons favoured MUA + K-wiring, 53 (32%) advocated volar plating and 33 (20%) an external fixator. Furthermore surgeons with specialist Upper limb interest were more likely to apply a volar plate (63% in either case) whilst the surgeons with general or other areas of expertise (18% in first case and 23% for second case). In conclusion there is no consensus among the Orthopaedic surgeons in treating displaced distal radial fractures. A multicentered randomized clinical trial would help elucidate the best treatment options.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Halvachizadeh ◽  
Till Berk ◽  
Alexander Pieringer ◽  
Emanuael Ried ◽  
Florian Hess ◽  
...  

Introduction: It is currently unclear whether the additional effort to perform an intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan is justified for articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to assess radiological, functional, and clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures when using conventional fluoroscopy vs. intraoperative CT scans. Methods: Inclusion criteria: Surgical treatment of DRF between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011, age 18 and above. Group distribution: intraoperative conventional fluoroscopy (Group Conv) or intraoperative CT scans (Group CT). Exclusion criteria: Use of different image intensifier devices or incomplete data. DRF classification according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Outcome variables included requirement of revision surgeries, duration of surgery, absorbed radiation dose, and requirement of additional CT scans during hospitalization. Results: A total of 187 patients were included (Group Conv n = 96 (51.3%), Group CT n = 91 (48.7%)). AO Classification: Type A fractures n = 40 (50%) in Group Conv vs. n = 16 (17.6%) in Group CT, p < 0.001; Type B: 10 (10.4%) vs. 11 (12.1%), not significant (n.s.); Type C: 38 (39.6%) vs. 64 (70.3%), p < 0.001. In Group Conv, four (4.2%) patients required revision surgeries within 6 months, but in Group CT no revision surgery was required. The CT scan led to an intraoperative screw exchange/reposition in 23 (25.3%) cases. The duration of the initial surgery (81.7 ± 46.4 min vs. 90.1 ± 43.6 min, n.s.) was comparable. The radiation dose was significantly higher in Group CT (6.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.8 ± 7.8 mGy, p < 0.001). In Group Conv, 11 (11.5%) patients required additional CT scans during hospitalization. Conclusion: The usage of intraoperative CT was associated with improved reduction and more adequate positioning of screws postoperatively with comparable durations of surgery. Despite increased efforts by utilizing the intraoperative CT scan, the decrease in reoperations may justify its use.


2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Jin Cheon ◽  
Ja Gyung Ku ◽  
Dong Ho Lee ◽  
Hui Taek Kim ◽  
Jeung Tak Suh

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