Chinese external fixation treatment for fractures of the distal end of the radius.

One hundred forty-five patients with fractures of the distal end of the radius (age range, 13 to 76 years; means, 61 years) were treated conservatively with a Chinese system of external fixation. Most of the fractures were of the extension and extraarticular type. The fixation system consists of four splints used in conjunction with three pressure pads and three or four slings. The system was used after successful manipulative reduction, and the patients were instructed to move their joints as soon as possible. The results, especially in elderly patients, were highly encouraging. We believe that this Chinese system of external fixation serves as a kind of functional brace.