Cast vs external fixation: A comparative study in elderly osteoporotic distal radial fracture patients

Abstract

Aim: This study compared fracture treatment with plaster cast vs external fixation. Methods: Forty elderly female osteoporotic wrist fracture patients were randomized to be treated with either plaster cast (Group A) or external fixation (Group B). Bone mineral density less than -2.5 T-score was among the inclusion criteria. Results: In Group A, four redisplacements occurred, whereas in Group B there were none (p = 0.005). Horesh score was higher in Group B (p < 0.006) than in Group A. Volar angle deformity (p < 0.0005) and radial angle deformity (p = 0.008) were lower in Group B. Conclusions: This study shows that external fixation improves stability in elderly osteoporotic wrist fracture patients.