Treatment of Unstable Displaced Distal Radius Fractures Using Kapandji Technique

Abstract

Background: One of the most frequent injuries seen in orthopedic practice is distal radius fractures. X-ray is the most common test used to determine the presence of a fracture. In some cases, a CT scan is needed to confirm a fracture or exclude intraarticular extension. Intrafocal Kapandji wiring is a safe and effective technique for treating stable fractures of the lower end of the radius. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the results of treatment of unstable displaced distal radius fractures in adults with the kapandji procedure. Patients and methods: A total of 18 patients were included in this clinical trial, with a mean age of 46.61 years; 61.1% of them were female. The extra articular unstable displaced distal radius fractures they had were treated by the Kapandji procedure at the Orthopedic Department, Zagazig University Hospital (Egypt) and Central Ajdabia Hospital (Libya), during the period from March 2022 to September 2022, with 6 months follow up. Results: Concerning overall outcome, only 1 (5.6%) patient had fair outcome, 8 (44.4%) patients had good outcome while 9 (50%) patients had excellent outcome. Concerning complications, no patient had tendon injury, no neurovascular injury or sundeck's atrophy. Meanwhile, 7 (38.9%) patients had superficial infection. Conclusion: An efficient surgical approach for treating distal radius fractures is closed reduction and percutaneous k-wire fixation using kapandji technique.