Late collapse of distal radius fractures after K-wire removal: is it significant?

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to find out whether distal radius fractures treated by Kirschner wire (K wire) fixation loose reduction after wire removal and analyze the variables may influence this.Materials and methodsPatients who underwent K wire fixation for unstable fractures of distal radius over a period of 3 years were included in this retrospective study. Fractures were classified according to AO classification. Radiographs taken just prior to removal of K wires and radiographs taken at least 1 month after wire removal were analyzed to study three radiological parameters; Palmar or dorsal tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance. Loss of these angles was analyzed statistically against variables like age, sex, AO classification and duration of fixation.Results59 fractures were analyzed with mean age of 56 years and male to female ratio of 1:2. Average loss of radial tilt was 2.6°, loss of palmar tilt was 2.6° and loss of ulnar variance was 1.3 mm.ConclusionsWe found that distal radius fractures treated by percutaneous K wire fixation, did not suffer significant loss of reduction of fracture position after removal of wires. This remains true regardless of age, sex, fracture type according to AO type or duration of wire fixation.

Radiological and Functional Outcome of Displaced Colles’ Fracture Managed with Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning: A Prospective Study

“…The fractures were reduced and stabilized under the same anesthesia. Kurup, et al studied the late collapse of distal radius fractures after K-wire removal and its significance [ 26 ]. They found that the fractures did not suffer significant loss of reduction after removal of wires.…”

A Comparative Study of Functional Outcome of Extra Articular Distal End Radius Fracture Treated with Closed Reduction and Traditional Cast Immobilization Versus Closed Reduction with Percutaneous Pinning in Elderly Age

“…9 Studies by "Kreder" et al, "Fuji" et al, "Kurup" et al, "Mardanikivi" et al claim that distal end radius fractures, even when displaced, have better functional outcome with closed reduction and K-wire pinning compared to closed reduction and cast. 10,11,12,13 "Rosenthal" et al study found intrafocal pinning technique to be better compared to closed reduction and cast.…”

Functional and economic analysis of plate-screw and percutaneous pinning in radius distal end fractures

“…Anahtar kelimeler: radius kırıkları; giderler ve maliyet analizi; kemik vidaları after simple injuries and cause a significant amount of resource consumption in respect to health care costs as well as creating serious health problems 3 . In clinical trials, functional outcomes have been reported to be better after stable fixators which providing anatomical joint alignment and allowing early mobilization [4][5][6] . However, in some studies, it has been reported that anatomic alignment is not always sufficient to achieve satisfactory clinical outcome, good functional outcomes are achieved in some patients who anatomic alignment can not be provided 7,8 .…”