The study of outcome of non comminuted lower end radius fractures treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with percutaneous pinning

Abstract

Introduction: Fractures of the distal radius constitute one of the most common skeletal injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. Colle’s fracture was first described by Abraham Colle of Dublin in Ireland. There are variety of treatment modalities in treating extraarticular non-comminuted fractures of distal radius. Each one has got their own advantages and disadvantages. Increased life expectancy of the population increases and as accidents also increase, the incidence of this fracture is expected to increase. Percutaneous pinning is one of the most simple, cost effective, easy procedure with good results. This study was conducted to analyze the outcome of Distal Radial Fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 30 cases of distal radius fractures. non-comminuted aged between 20 to 70 years of age. They were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with Percutaneous pinning with 2-3 K-wires. Postoperatively they were immobilized with below elbow dorsal slab. After 3 weeks slab was removed and physiotherapy started, K-wires were removed after 6 weeks. Post operative xrays were done at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months.Results: There were 30 cases in our study. 60% (18) males and 40% (12) females. The mean age of the patients was 52 years. The mechanism of injury in most cases was fall on out stretched hand 76.6% (23). The side of involvement was right in 56% (17) and 44% (13) in left hand. 66% (19) belonged to type A, 34% (10) belonged to Type C according to Fernandez classification. 54% (16) patients belonged to A type, 36% (11) belonged to type B as per AO classification. 60% (18) showed excellent outcome under subject evaluation, 67% (20) patients showed excellent end results. Total 13% (4) showed complications in the study. Among them 7% (2) were pin tract infection, followed by malunion and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy each 3% (1).