J Korean Fract Soc.  2005 Jan;18(1):54-59. 10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.1.54.

Intramedullary K-wire Fixation for Displaced Fracture of Distal Radius

• Ahn BW
• Kim CK
• Lee JY
• Chung CI
• Yoon JH
• Kim YM
• Jin JW
• Kim KH
• Chung GS
• Kim DW

• KMID: 2184019
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.1.54

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate indications and effectiveness of intramedullary K-wire fixation for distal radial fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty one fractures of distal radius treated with intramedullary K-wire fixation from April 2001 to September 2002 were evaluated. The mean age was 67.8(range 46~82). Severely comminuted intra-articular fractures and Barton's fractures were excluded. One or two K-wires were added percutaneously. To assess the functional result, we used Green and O'Brien score system. The radiographic assessment included a scoring system based on measurements of radial length, radial inclination, volar tilt and step-off of the radial articular surface.
RESULTS
Average follow up period was 13.5 months. In functional result, excellent and good result were obtained in 18 cases (86%). In radiologic result, mean loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were 0.9 mm, 1.4degrees, 0.9degrees, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The advantages of intramedullary K-wire fixation were relatively simple procedure, low occurrence of soft tissue complications and early wrist motion. Intramedullary K-wire fixation was good to maintaining reduction in osteoporotic bone.

Keyword

Distal radius; Displaced fracture; Intramedullary K-wire fixation

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Intra-Articular Fractures
Radius*
Wrist