Treatment of distal radius fractures:a comparison between plate internal fixation and percutaneous K-wires fixation

Abstract

Objective To compare the clinical results of open reduction and plate internal fixation and percutaneous kirschner-wire fixation in the management of distal radius fractures. Methods A retrospective comparison was done on clinical data of 110 patients with distal radius fractures who were treated by plate internal fixation and that of 107 by pereutaneous kirschner-wire fixation from January 2002 to June 2007. Results All patients were followed up for 5-12 months. According to Gartland and Werley scoring system, the excellent rate was 86.4% in plate internal fixation group, which was significantly higher than 74.8% in percutaneous kirschner-wire fixation group (P 0.05). Conclusions Compared with percutaneous kirschner-wire fixation, plate internal fixation is better in treatment of distal radius fractures, but has poor results in management of type C3 fractures. Key words: Radius fracture; Colles' fracture; Fracture fixation, internal