J Korean Fract Soc.  2006 Apr;19(2):228-235. 10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.2.228.

Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures Using the Percutaneous K-wire Reduction-Fixation and External Fixator

• Cheon SJ
• Ku JG
• Lee DH
• Kim HT
• Suh JT

• KMID: 2063854
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.2.228

Abstract

PURPOSE: To analyse the results of treatment of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures using the percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation and external fixator.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective follow-up study of 22 cases was carried out. With use of the system of AO classification 9 cases were in C1 and 7 in C2, and 6 in C3. The average duration of follow-up for all fractures was 35 months. We evaluated the radiologic results, the functional results according to clinical evaluation scoring system by Green and O'Brien and osteoarthritis grade according to arthritic grading system by Knirk and Jupiter.
RESULTS
Excellent and good results were rated in 17 cases (77%) of all cases. At last follow-up the mean loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were 1.4 mm, 1.0o, and 1.4o respectively. Also 7 patients had grade I, 1 patient grade II, and 1 patient grade III arthritis.
CONCLUSION
We think that percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation and external fixation is useful treatment method for the unstable intra-articular distal radius fracture. But severely comminuted AO type C3 fractures would need additional treatments such as open reduction and bone graft to acquire and maintain the articular reduction for better results.

Keyword

Distal radius; Unstable intra-articular fracture; Percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation; External fixator

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
Classification
External Fixators*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Osteoarthritis
Radius Fractures*
Radius*
Retrospective Studies
Transplants