Comprehensive study of fracture distal end radius with plating and k wire fixation

Abstract

Distal end radius fracture is a common fracture seen in the routine orthopedic OPD. The optimal management of distal radius fractures remains controversial. AIM: To compare functional outcomes following volar plating and K-wire fixation of distal end radius fractures and compare which method produced better result. The functional outcome in terms of the range of movements, pain, and grip strength of the patients was assessed at 6 months in both groups by demerit score system of Gartland and Werley. Result: Functional outcome as per Gartland and Werley was 95% excellent to good results in plating group as compared to 75% in K-wire fixation group. Conclusion: The study emphasizes that open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating have excellent functional outcome when compared to K-wire fixation in distal radius fractures. When considering the cost, K-wire fixation is preferred over volar plating.