Assessment of radiological evidence of collapse of distal end radius fracture after treating with cast, percutaneous k-wire fixation and external fixator

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Distal end radius fractures are the most common fractures seen among all orthopaedic injuries, accounts for nearly 20% of all fractures coming to the emergency department.There are various treatment modalities for distal end radius fracture which includes closed reduction and casting, closed reduction with external fixation and closed reduction with internal fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This retrospective study was done on patients who underwent distal end radius fracture surgery in the Department of Orthopaedics at MGM Hospital Kamothe in the last 2 years from May 2015 to May 2017. Total of 108 patients were included in the study, out of which 62 were males and 46 were females undergoing distal end radius fracture surgery. The mean age was 34.5 (28-75 years age group). All patients were assessed with wrist radiograph to see the collapse post-operatively and after 4-6 weeks.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age was 34.5 (28-75 years age group). Out of 108, three females treated with cast lost for follow up. Out of all three modalities we took under study, we found that the average radial height in cast was 15 mm, in k wire was 10.5 mm while in external fixator was 12.5 mm. The average articular step in cast was 1.3 mm, in k wire was 2.1 mm while in external fixator was 1.8 mm. Fracture collapse was seen as 23.3% in cast, 21.4% in k-wire and 13.8% by external fixator.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Distal end radius fractures are most common fractures seen daily in both OPD and emergency. A basic idea about this fracture should be known general physicians also such as splinting as they also encountered with them routinely. External fixator is quite effective method of treatment for these fractures. In our study we have discussed closed reduction and fixation techniques and found better results with external fixator using principle of ligamentotaxis.</p>