A Clinical Study of Colles Fractures

Choi, Ik Soo; Cho, You Haeng; Kim, Han Gyun

Abstract

Twenty-six cases of Colles fracture were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation under C-arm field and then wrist was immobilized by sugar tong splint and then short arm splint from Jan. 1982 to Dec. 1985 at the department of orthopaedic surgery of St. Benedict hospital. A prospective study was made and evaluated under the subjective and objective criteria of Gartland and Werley, and the objective criteria of Scheck. The result of this study were as follow: 1. The incidence of Colles fracture was highest in 3rd decade(26.9%) and 7th decade(23.1%) respectively. In the 3rd decade the reason for the highest incidence was the job-related accident during the productive age and they were male patients. 2. The main cause of the injury was falling accident comprising of 53.8% and the male to female ratio was about equal. 3. Among the 26 cases treated with the percutaneous K-wire fixation, the result was satisfactory in 92.2% but was unsatisfactory in one case with severe comminuted fracture. 4. The percutaneous K-wire fixation for Colles fracture had less complication and more advantages such as the early disappearance of edema by early exercies, the early returning of range of motion of joint to normal, and the comfortable cast immobilization in neutral position of wrist. 5. The percutaneous K-wire fixation for Colles fracture was applicable to the concept that the anatomical reduction and maintenance would lead to the improvement of the joint function. 6. The percutaneous K-wire fixation for Colles fracture was indicated when neurologic sign developed after reduction of fracture by classic methord and when the exercise of joint was required in the old age. 7. When the articular surface of the radius was severely comminuted and the distal radius became severely osteoporotic, the result from the use of percutaneous K-wire fixation was also poor. In this case we considered the use of an external fixator.