An Analysis of the Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Fragment-Specific Fixation of Intra-articular Distal End Radius Fractures

Background and objective Distal radius fractures (DRFs) present unique challenges for fixation, as they often involve small, periarticular fragments that require advanced techniques to achieve proper anatomical alignment and functional recovery. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of fragment-specific fixation in managing these fractures. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study involving 57 patients with fresh intra-articular DRFs. The participants, aged 18-80 years, were evaluated through comprehensive radiological assessments, including X-rays and CT scans, alongside clinical examinations. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained for all procedures. Results The sample included 57 patients; 57.89% were male and 42.11% were female. The most common occupations were housewives (33.33%) and business professionals (19.30%). Injuries were nearly equally distributed between the left (47.37%) and right (52.63%) sides, with road traffic accidents accounting for 52.63% of cases. Radiological evaluations indicated significant improvements in volar tilt, from 10.38 ± 1.46 degrees postoperatively to 9.57 ± 1.67 degrees after three months, and in radial inclination, from 21.09 ± 1.72 degrees to 20.28 ± 2.04 degrees. Clinical outcomes, as measured by Green and O'Brien and Gartland and Werley scores, showed a substantial recovery, with 75.44% of patients achieving an excellent rating with no poor outcomes. Conclusions Based on our findings, fragment-specific fixation for DRFs is highly effective, leading to significant improvements in both radiological and functional outcomes. The technique helped maintain anatomical alignment and facilitated bone healing and we recommend its adoption as a standard treatment for complex DRFs. We also recommend future studies investigating its long-term outcomes and comparing this approach with other fixation methods to optimize patient care further.