J Korean Fract Soc.  2000 Jan;13(1):139-145. 10.12671/jksf.2000.13.1.139.

The Additional Use of External Fixator after Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation for Intra-articular fractures of The Distal Radius

• Kim CW
• Gu JS
• Jeong GT
• Jeon SY
• Jeong TH
• Hur JW
• Park Y

• KMID: 2100090
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2000.13.1.139

Abstract

PURPOSE
: To evaluate the role of the additional external fixator in maintenance of reduction with was known as an important prognostic factor for the treatment of intra-articular distal radius frctures. MATERIAL AND METHOD : Thirty cases of unstalbe intra-articular fractures of the distal radius, which were treated by operative method, were classified by Frykman's method and grouped in two(group A and B). The group A was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation and long arm cast immobilization. The group B was treated by treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation with use of additional external fixator. The end results were evaluated by the Demerit Point Rating System(by Sarmiento) & radiologic evaluation(radiologic index : radial length, radial tilt, volar tilt)
RESULTS
: By the Demerit point rating system, excellent and good results were rated by 45.5% in group A and 75% in group B and poor results were found in 3 cases which were Frykman type VII or VIII in group A. Radiologically, radial length loss was rated by 11%, radial tilt loss by 10.8% and volar tilt loss by 47% in group A and 3.1%, 6.8%, 29% each in group B(p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
: We think that additional use of external fixator, after percutaneous K-wire fixation, may have an important role in maintenance of reduction and group prognosis for the treament of intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Keyword

distal radius; intra-articular fractures; percutaneous K-wire fixation; external

MeSH Terms

Arm
External Fixators*
Immobilization
Intra-Articular Fractures*
Prognosis
Radius Fractures
Radius*