Iranian Journal of Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract Abstract
Introduction: Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures in the upper limb, and many studies have been conducted on its treatment. There is, as yet, no consensus on which treatment method is preferable. This paper compares the use of plate alone with plate + external fixator in this fracture.
Materials & Methods: In a randomized clinical trial (RCT), patients with type C2 and C3.1(AO/OTA classification) distal radius fracture, were randomly divided into two groups of fixation with locking plate alone (control) and fixation with plate and additional external fixator (intervention). Then patients were evaluated in terms of radiographs and clinical outcomes in first, third and, sixth weeks, and also 6 and 9 months after surgery by Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (qDASH) and visual analogue score (VAS). SPSS software was used for data analysis. Informed consent was obtained from the patients.
Results & Discussion: 52 patient (26 in each group) were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 42 years in the control and 41 years in the intervention group. The qDASH score in the control group was 35 and 38 in the intervention group and this difference was not significant between the two groups. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of pain level according to the (VAS) score either. Also, the radiographic criteria including radius height and palmar tilt, did not differ significantly between the two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In general, with similar results of plating, and plating with addition of external fixator in fixation of distal radius fracture, the method of “plate alone” is preferred.

Abstract Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pentoxifylline on the healing process of wounds resulting from traumatic amputation of the fingertips in patients, especially those who need accelerated treatment and better outcomes.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial on 52 patients who had referred to a teaching unit with finger-tip amputation after trauma. The patients were divided into two intervention groups (receiving pentoxifylline) and control group (receiving placebo). Pentoxifylline was prescribed in the intervention group at a dose of 1200 mg per day for 21 days. Evaluations were performed at three times (days 7, 14, and 21) in terms of wound status and treatment results.
Results & Discussion: The results showed that on the seventh day, a lower percentage of patients in the intervention group had central and peripheral necrosis. Also, on the fourteenth and twenty-first days, a significant improvement in the condition of the wounds was observed in the intervention group and the prognosis of treatment in this group was significantly better. On the twenty-first day, 90% of patients in the intervention group achieved complete recovery, while in the control group this figure was 75%. Also, the side effects of pentoxifylline in the intervention group were few and temporary, and none of the patients needed to discontinue the drug.
Conclusion: The use of pentoxifylline as a complementary treatment in patients with traumatic finger amputation has a significant positive effect on accelerating wound healing and improving treatment prognosis.