Effectiveness of closed reduction and minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of dorsally displaced distal radius and associated fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Distal radius fractures & associated wrist injuries are common. No doubt prevails for treatment of volar fragment intraatricular injuries. For dorsal comminution extraarticular & dorsal fragment intraarticular injuries various methods available & all have various implications on optimization of the treatment. Material & Methods: We treated (n=25) patients of distal radius dorsally displaced intraarticular & extraarticular fractures with percutaneous K wires fixation with or without external fixation ligamentotaxis at our unit. All were closed fractures. Age mean was 62.5 years. Preoperatively they were classified according to Frykman classification. Results: Postoperative evaluation by Sarmiento et al. modification of demerit point system of Gartland and Werley. 8% had Excellent, 48% had Good, 32% had Fair & 12% had Poor results. Non union rate was zero (n=0).Average union time was 4.5 weeks. Conclusion: Distal radius fractures treated with percutaneous pinning yields high union rate with closed reduction benefits like fracture hematoma prevention & low infection rates. It also provides mechanical stability with some allowable micromotion as far as dorsal comminution or intararticular dorsal fractures of distal radius concern. It provides cost effective & better alternative to closed reduction & cast treatment.