Functional and radiological outcome of percutaneous pinning in the management of extra-articular distal radius fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Distal radius fractures are common injuries encountered in orthopaedics casualty. Range of fracture extends from simple extra-articular to highly comminuted intra-articular fractures. 1, 2 Restoration of wrist function is the primary goal in the treatment of extra articular distal radius fractures. Most of the fractures are effectively treated with closed reduction and immobilization in a plaster cast. Percutaneous pinning provides anatomic reduction and rigid fixation and allows earlier rehabilitation.3 Aim of the study was to assess the functional and radiological outcome of percutaneous pinning in distal radial fractures. Materials and Method: This is prospective study of 28 patients conducted at department of orthopaedics over a period of 2 years. Results: Age of the patients was ranged from 20 to 65 years with mean age of 40.2 years. Maximum incidence of injury was observed at 4th (50%) and 3rd (25%) decade of life. 20(71.43%) patients were male. 16 (57.14%) patients attained fracture due to motor vehicle accidents. Pin loosening was encountered in 5 cases. The mean radial length, radial volar tilt, and radial inclination were 10.24 mm, 8.26 degree, and 19.82 degree respectively. Functional outcome was excellent results in eight cases (28.57%), good in 13 cases (46.43%), fair in 5 (17.86%) cases and poor in 2 cases (7.14%).