A Long-Term Study of Application of Joshi's External Stabilizing System in Displaced Intra-articular Distal End Radius Fractures

Abstract

Background Fractures of the distal end radius are a common upper extremity fracture. Intra-articular distal end radius fractures are recognized as very complex injuries with a variable prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term functional outcome of patients treated with Joshi's external stabilizing system (JESS) for displaced intra-articular distal end radius fractures. Materials and Methods A total of 170 patients with intra-articular distal end radius fracture were treated with JESS from 2014 to 2017. The patients were followed up at 2, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1, and 2 years (final) after the surgery. The assessment of pain, range of motion, grip strength, and satisfaction were assessed at 6 months, 1, and 2 years (final) follow-up and scored according to modified Mayo wrist scoring system. Results The good and/or excellent results were found in 82.2% of cases. We observed that patients with age less than 50 years had greater prognosis as compared with patients with more than 50 years of age. Final outcome was also found better in males as compared with females at 6 months, 1, and 2 years postoperatively. Conclusion JESS is an effective treatment technique for intra-articular distal end radius fractures in our community. On long-term follow-up of the patients treated with JESS for intra-articular distal end radius fractures, the functional and radiological outcomes were good with low complication rate.