Intra-focal fixation for treating distal radius fracture: Results of 104 cases

Abstract

Intra-focal fixation for a displaced distal radius fracture is a surgical option that achieves early functional recovery. We report a retrospective evaluation of the results with various types of distal radius fracture, using various fixation materials in 104 patients (69 women and 35 men; average age, 51.4 years; range, 4–91 years). Fracture types classified according to Frykman were: 14 type I, 15 type II, 6 type III, 16 type IV, 10 type V, 16 type VI, 9 type VII, and 18 type VIII. Fixation materials used were: conventional Kirschner wire in 6 patients, threaded Kirschner wire in 38, arum pins in 38, and conehead wedging screws in 22. The results for patients with Frykman types V–VIII fractures were not as good as those for patients with types I–IV. The arum pin and conehead wedging screw were each superior to either Kirschner wire or threaded Kirschner wire in reducing the fracture and in maintaining fixation. Our evaluation suggested that intra-focal fixation was also suitable for treatment of an intra-articular fracture. In elderly patients, we recommend the arum pin and conehead wedging screw as fixation materials, and suggest short-term postoperative immobilization.