Surgical management of fractures of distal end radius using uniplanar external fixator augmented with percutaneous kirschner wire fixation

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONDistal end radius fractures are the most common fractures of the upper extremity encountered in practice, and constitute 17% of all fractures and 75% of all forearm fractures. 1There is an increase in the incidence of distal end radius fractures and its complications in the general population due to the increase in the lifespan of the population, in whom osteoporosis is frequently encountered. 2The complex anatomy of the wrist contributes to an equally complex variety of traumatic injuries, many of which permanently compromise the wrist function.These fractures have a bimodal distribution characterized by two groups. Results: In our study, 14 (46.6 %) patients had excellent results. Whereas, 11 (36.7%) patients had good results and 3 (10%) had fair and only 2 (6.7%) patients had poor results. Most of the fractures united by 12 weeks. Complications associated with the study was stiffness, malunion, sudeck's osteodystrophy and pin tract infection. Conclusions: The uniplanar external fixator augmented with k-wire is a good choice in the treatment of distal end radius fractures in terms of providing a good functional outcome if proper preoperative planning, good reduction and surgical technique are followed, leading to high rate of bone union, minimal soft tissue damage and complications.