External fixation for redislocated Colles' fractures.

Rereduction was carried out in 5% of all treated Colles' fractures and they were externally fixated with a one-bar Hoffmann apparatus. The results of 57 of the first 69 patients treated with a follow-up time of at least 1 year are presented. Using Frykman's criteria, 18 patients were judged as "excellent", 25 as "good" and 14 patients were judged as "unsatisfactory". The anatomical analysis showed no increase of deformity during the fixation. The final mean results were a 3.0 mm radial shortening and the articular plane of the radius at a right angle to the long axis. Among the first patients, five cases of pin-loosening were seen, but there were no adverse effects in the final result. There were no pin-tract infections. The results justify using the method as a routine when a redislocated Colles' fracture is rereduced.