Computer-Assisted Circular External Fixator in the Treatment of Wrist and Forearm Deformities: Functional and Radiological Outcomes.

Objectives: Wrist and forearm deformities are usually due to congenital or post-traumatic causes. These deformities cause progressive pain and limitation of motion and impair quality of life. Acute correction with radius and/or ulna osteotomy and fixation with plate or wire can be applied in treatment, but complications such as vascular/nerve damage, malunion and inadequate correction may be encountered. Treatment with circular external fixators provides correction without residual deformity and is safer because it can provide deformity correction and gradual lengthening both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Computer-assisted circular external fixators (Ca-CEF) facilitate the correction of complex deformities by allowing postoperative deformity planning to be redone. In this study, we analyzed wrist or wrist deformities treated with Ca-CEF.

Methods: The hospital database was searched for patients who underwent surgery for wrist and forearm deformity between 2010 and 2020. Demographic data, radiographic and functional measurements of the patients were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative forearm supination, pronation, wrist flexion and extension, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Wrist Score and grip strength were measured. Radiological measurements of radius, ulna lengths, radial inclination and volar tilt were performed. Postoperative complications were analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative data of the patients were analyzed statistically.

Results: A total of 14 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 17.1 years (11-34), 8 were female and 6 were male. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (6.8-32.9). The planned anatomical correction was achieved in all patients. The mean differences between preoperative functional and radiographic data and postoperative data were 7.8 (p=0.029) for forearm supination, 14.64 (p<0. 001), 6.17 kg for Grip Strength (p=0.001), 3.07 for VAS (p<0.001), 21 points for DASH Score (p=0.003), and 22.14 points for Mayo Wrist Score (p=0.004), which were statistically significantly better. No major complications were observed in any patient.

Conclusion: The study showed that Ca-CEF provides functional improvement and radiological improvement and is a safe treatment method with low complication rates. This method stands out as an effective option in the treatment of complex deformities.