J Korean Fract Soc.  1999 Apr;12(2):422-428.

Surgical Treament for Unstable Intra-articular Fracture of the Distal Radius with Rayhack's Transulnar Percutaneous Pinning Technique

• Jang EC
• Ryu HS
• Lee JS
• Han JN

Abstract

There has been many treatment modalities in the distal radius fracture. Although there is no doubt that external fixators have a role in the treatment of some highly displaced distal radius fractures, many unstable distal radius fractures may be treated adequately with far less complicated and intrusive percutaneous pinning technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate indication and effectiveness of Rayhack's transulnar percutaneous pinning technique. Authors reviewed the unstable intra-articular fracture of the distal radius of 15 cases treated with Rayhack's transulnar percutaneous pinning technique between March 1994 and February 1997. At the final follow-up examination, the mean loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt was respectively 0.4mm (3.9%), 2.0 (10.6%), 2.1 (14.7%). Posttraumatic arthritis was occurred in 1 case (11.1%) of less than 1mm residual articular step-off, 2 cases (40%) of more than 1mm and less than 3mm residual articular step-off, 1 case (100%) of more than 3mm residual articular step-off. Distal radioulnar joint synostosis by percutaneous pinning was not found. According to Demerit point rating system, excellent to good results were obtained in 73.3%. Authors suggest that Rayhack's pinning technique can be applied in terms of simple procedure, cost-effectiveness and functional outcome.

Keyword

Distal radius; Unstable intra-articular fracture; Rayhack's transulnar percutaneous pinning

MeSH Terms

Arthritis
External Fixators
Follow-Up Studies
Intra-Articular Fractures*
Joints
Radius Fractures
Radius*
Synostosis