External fixation versus traditional treatment for comminuted Colles fractures.

The results of conservative treatment of comminuted Colles fractures are discouraging. Due to this several different operative techniques have been presented by different authors for treatment of these injuries. Good results have been reported by external fixation, but this has usually been the "second line of defense" and has been applied only after conservative treatment has failed. The aim of the present study was to compare primary external fixation and conservative treatment for comminuted Colles fractures of type Frykman VIII. The study was designed as a prospective, controlled study.