Comparison of clinical and functional outcome of intra-articular fractures of distal end of radius with conservative versus surgical treatment: A prospective study

Abstract

A prospective study constituted a total of n = 90 subjects with intra-articular distal end of radius fractures was conducted in Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India, for a period of eighteen months. The objective of the present study was management for a distal end radius fracture for accurate restoration of range of motion and grip strength and to achieve a good functional outcome with return to normal functional status of the patient at the earliest possible and to compare clinical and functional outcome with conservative and surgical management. The present study sample consisted of n = 90 subjects of which n = 44 subjects were treated with conservative management, n = 46 with surgical method. Among n = 46 cases treated surgically, n = 11 were managed by pinning, n = 11 by ligamentotaxis with external fixator and n = 24 with plating. Excellent results were observed in 30% of the cases in conservative group and 47.5% in surgical group. Excellent and good results were seen in 85% cases in plating group and 52.17% in K-wire in surgically managed group. Excellent and good outcome results in conservative group were observed in stable, minimally comminuted and minimally displaced fracture pattern. Excellent and good outcome results were seen in many of such fracture pattern among surgical group. The best outcome or results were seen among young individuals.