Percutaneous pinning vs volar plating in unstable distal end radius fracture: A comparative study

Abstract

A fall on outstretched hand is most common mechanism for causing fracture of distal radius. The majority of factures in the elderly are extra-articular, whereas there is much higher incidence of intraarticular fracture in younger patients. In the present study 50 patients were included with unstable distal end radius fractures, in which 25 cases were managed with percutaneous pinning and 25 cases were managed by open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The results were graded according to Green and O'brain score and comparison was done according to the union and functional outcome in individual cases. In our study we found that fracture of distal radius managed either with volar locking plate or by percutaneous pinning with k-wire fixation had empowering results.