Intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in young adults--a review of the outcome of treatment

A retrospective review of 30 intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in 27 patients was done. Only young adults aged between 18 and 40 were included. Road traffic accidents accounted for 25 of the cases (23 motorcyclists). Fourteen fractures were treated by closed reduction and a plaster cast. Sixteen fractures were treated by open reduction with internal fixation using a buttress plate or multiple Kirschner wires. At a mean follow-up of 17 months, 63% of the wrists had a satisfactory result and 37% unsatisfactory result. The main adverse factor was intraarticular congruity. The grip strength on the injured side averaged 56% of that of the uninjured side and the pinch strength averaged 73%. Most of the patients were able to return to their former occupation in an average of four months.