Bone mineral loss after Colles' fracture. Plaster case and external fixation equivalent.

The bone mineral content of the radius and ulna was analyzed in 31 postmenopausal women with displaced Colles' fractures. Sixteen fractures were treated with a below-the-elbow plaster case and 15 with primary external fixation. The bone mineral content of the forearm bones was measured with a photon absorptiometer 9 (6-24) months later. There was a mean 15 percent mineral decrease in the radius, but no difference between the two treatment groups. The decrease did not correlate with the age of the patient, nor was there any correlation with grip strength or range of wrist motion. The more severe fractures, according to the Frykman classification, had a more pronounced mineral loss than the simpler fractures.