Background:

This fracture is a very frequent emergency. Surgical and non-surgical management are still controversial, such as functional impact.

Objective:

To compare clinical evolution of Fernandez III distal radius fractures, managed with surgically vs no surgical treatment, in a specialized hospital.

Method:

Comparative, observational, longitudinal study, released on workers with unilateral Fernandez III closed distal radius fractures, both sex, with evolution less than 5 days. Those patients with pathologies getting difficult in bone consolidation, and with several fractures were excluded. Those with incomplete information, complicated, and whom paste were modified after 5 days, and with bad reduction or stabilization fracture according AO were eliminated. Mayo Functional Wrist Scale (EFMM) was applied at 3 and 6 months. Student-t test was applied.

Results:

159 patients recruited, 34% females, 66% males. Medium age 40 years old. Surgical treatment 42.5% (plaque 8.7%, external fixation 29%, external fixation and nails 8.7%). Non-surgical treatment 33%. Significative differences (p≤0.05): EFMM at 3 and 6 months; pain, grasp at 3 months; mobility at 6 months; total laboral inhability days.

Conclusions:

Surgical treatment shows better functional results, specially pain and grasp at 3 months, mobility at 6 months, and faster returning to work.

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