Abstract

Objective: To compare the radiological and functional outcomes of patients of Comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with or without bone marrow injection along with external fixator ligamentotaxis.
Methodology: This prospective comparative study on 41 patients with comminuted intra-articular lower end radius fractures distributed patients randomly into two groups depending on whether an aspirate of bone marrow was injected at the fracture site two weeks after fracture management with external fixation ligamentotaxis.
Results: The mean age was 35.8 years, with male predominance. The radiological parameters (radial height, radial inclination, and volar tilt) at the 6th month follow up were lower in the group who did not receive a bone marrow aspirate injection but was not significant statistically. Moderate deformities developed in half of the patients who did not receive bone marrow aspiration according to Lidstorm scores modified by Sarmiento et al. The functional outcome was excellent to good in all patients who received marrow aspiration, according to the demerit system of Gartland and Werley.
Conclusion: The injection of bone marrow aspirate to the fracture site might have a potential role in the management of comminuted intra-articular lower end radius fractures treated by external fixation ligamentotaxis.

Key words: Bone marrow injection, ligamentotaxis, distal intra-articular radius fractures.