Objective  To compare curative effects of technique reduction and plaster fixation, closed reduction and external fixation by external fixator as well as simple fixation by Kirschner wire, open reduction of distal radius anatomy locking plate fixation type in treatment of unstable distal radius fracture.

  Methods  A total of 81 patients with unstable fractures of distal radius(according to the AO classification, they were all C3 type fractures) were selected as study objects, and they were divided into three groups by random number table method, with 27 cases in each group. The manual reduction group was treated with manual reduction and plaster fixation, closed reduction group was treated by closed reduction and external fixation by external fixator as well as simple fixation by Kirschner wire, and open reduction group was given open reduction and anatomical locking plate fixation of the distal radius. The curative effect of three groups was observed and compared.

  Results  The redisplacement rate after operation in the closed reduction group was significantly lower that that in the other two groups, and was significantly lower in the open reduction group than that of manual reduction group(P < 0.05). According to Cooney wrist scoring standard, the excellent and good rates in the manual reduction group, the closed reduction group, and the open reduction group were 51.85%, 88.89%, and 77.78%, respectively, and significant differences were found in three groups(P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The closed reduction and external fixation combined with simple fixation by Kirschner wire in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures is significantly better than the manual reduction as well as plaster fixation and open reduction as well as open reduction of distal radius anatomy locking plate fixation. The operation is simple in operation, has less trauma and cost, and the fracture stability is maintained continuously and effectively after operation. Therefore, it is an ideal method for the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius.