Intramedullary K-wire fixation: A feasible and effective technique in treatment of pediatric distal radius fractures

Abstract

In this research we aimed to report the clinical and radiological results of a retrospective study performed on 6 children with severely displaced distal radial metaphyseal and diametaphyseal fractures, who were treated with percutaneous intramedullary Kischner wire (K-wire) fixation. A total of 6 children with distal unstable radius fractures, all of whom have visible physeal plate, were treated as an inpatient at our clinic January 2016 to June 2017. The average age was 8 years (range, 7–9 years). The fractures were fixed with two percutaneous intramedullary K-wires of 1.5-2 mm in diameter either transepiphyseally in three of them or both transepiphyseally and transcortically in the remaining three. Operative and short follow-up outcomes were assessed. The average operation time was 20 min (range, 15-25 min). Additional below-the-elbow splint was used in all cases for 3 weeks postoperatively. K-wires were removed after 6 weeks in all cases. Bone union was achieved at an average time of 4 weeks (range, 3-6 weeks) in all cases. No complication including malunion or early epiphyseal closure of the distal radius was identified at mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 4-18 months). Results of this study showed that reduction and osteosynthesis of distal displaced radius fractures in children by percutaneous flexible intramedullary K-wire fixation technique have many advantages regarding the maintenance of the stable construct with easy, minimally invasive and quick application. We thought that this method is a reliable treatment option for pediatric distal unstable radius fractures.