Publication:

A prospective study of distal radius fracture management by close reduction, percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation and plaster immobilization

Background Distal radius fracture is one of the most common fractures. It may be sustained due to low-energy trauma or high-energy trauma.

Objectives To compare the clinical effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation with and plaster immobilization for patients with fracture of the distal radius.

Methods Interventions Kirschner wire fixation: wires are passed through the skin over the dorsal aspect of the distal radius and into the bone to hold the fracture in the correct anatomical position. About 79 patients with Distal Radial Fractures presented to MGM Medical College and LSK Hospital, Kishanganj between November 2012 and June 2014 were included in the study.

Results The majority were men (60.4%). Majority of the patients (69.8%) sustained the injury due to fall. The side of involvement was nearly equal and that there was no predominance of the either sides. In our study, according to AO classification, 31 cases were of Type A, 17 were of Type B and 5 were of Type C. The Anatomical evaluation by Sarmiento’s Criteria showed 33 patients with excellent result, 15 patients with good result and 5 with a fair result. At final follow-up by ‘The Gartland and Werley criteria for functional outcome’ 37 patients had excellent result, 13 had good result, 2 had fair result and 1 had a poor result.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that percutaneous Kirschner wire pinning is a minimally invasive technique that provides an effective means of maintaining the anatomical fracture reduction. It does not required highly skilled personnel or sophisticated tools for application. It is a suitable method for fixation of displaced Colles fracture with minimal intra-articular involvement. The technique involves a minimal procedure that provides anatomic reduction, fracture fixation, and maintenance of reduction with an adequate method of immobilization.