Functional Outcome Analysis of Distal Radius Fractures Treated with 5 K Wire Technique

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common types to encounter in day to day casualty. Various treatment modalities have been evolved for this fracture. Even though very familiar a lot of uncertainty exists in optimum management of the fracture. Percutaneous K wire fixation and volar locking plates shows good results, In the current literature data regarding 5 K wire technique is scanty. Through this study we try to assess the efficacy of this 5 K wire technique in management of distal radius fractures. We selected a prospective descriptive study design by following up patients undergoing 5 K wire fixation of distal radius fracture from our hospital during the study period and coming under the inclusion criteria. A proper informed consent was taken. Clearances from institutional ethics committee and institutional research committee obtained prior to the study. From the study on 44 patients (10 females and 34 males) with mean age was 39.32 years. Fall from height and road traffic accidents found to be the major mechanism of injury. Among the fracture types included AO type C1 was predominant. Occurrence of complications were also less. All fractures healed well. 21 out of 44 patients showed good to excellent outcome assessed by modified mayo wrist score. We couldn’t prove any statistical significance to the observation. We recommend percutaneous standardized 5 K wire technique as a minimally invasive and cost effective modality in treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. Keywords: 5 K wire, Distal radius fracture, Percutaneous pinning.