The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 61, Issue 8 1234-1238, Copyright © 1979 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
The Roger Anderson device in the treatment of fractures of the distal end of the radius
WA Grana and JA Kopta
One of the more common as well as difficult fractures to manage is the
extension compression fracture of the distal end of the radius. In the
physiologically younger patient we believe that every effort should be made
to preserve the integrity of the radiocarpal joint and maintain motion of
the hand. We have used the technique described by Anderson and O'Neil to
treat comminuted, displaced fractures of the distal end of the radius in
twenty-five patients from April 1972 through April 1978. Twenty-one of
these patients were available for follow-up examination at an average of
nineteen months (range, six to forty months) following injury. There were
sixteen satisfactory and five unsatisfactory functional results, and three
complications. This form of external fixation should be avoided in the
older, obese, and osteoporotic patient as well as in the unreliable and
uncooperative patient. If these guidelines are followed, we believe that
the Roger Anderson device provides satisfactory immobilization and
functional results in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal
end of the radius in the physiologically younger patient, who may be
expected to place heavy demands on the wrist.