Abstract

• PURPOSE: To analyse the results of treatment of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures using the percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation and external fixator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study of 22 cases was carried out. With use of the system of AO classification 9 cases were in C1 and 7 in C2, and 6 in C3. The average duration of follow-up for all fractures was 35 months. We evaluated the radiologic results, the functional results according to clinical evaluation scoring system by Green and O'Brien and osteoarthritis grade according to arthritic grading system by Knirk and Jupiter. RESULTS: Excellent and good results were rated in 17 cases (77%) of all cases. At last follow-up the mean loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were 1.4 mm, 1.0o, and 1.4o respectively. Also 7 patients had grade I, 1 patient grade II, and 1 patient grade III arthritis. CONCLUSION: We think that percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation and external fixation is useful treatment method for the unstable intra-articular distal radius fracture. But severely comminuted AO type C3 fractures would need additional treatments such as open reduction and bone graft to acquire and maintain the articular reduction for better results.
• Key words: Distal radius, Unstable intra-articular fracture, Percutaneous K-wire reduction-fixation, External fixator

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• Management of Comminuted Intra-articular Fractures of the Distal Radius: Arthroscopically Assisted Reduction and Pin Fixation Supplemented with External Fixation
  Jong-Pil Kim, Hyun-Jin Yu
  The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association.2009; 44(2): 233.     CrossRef
• Comparison of Outcomes for Unstable Distal Radius Intraarticular Fractures - T-locking Compression Plate versus External Fixator -
  Chul-Hyun Cho, Su-Won Jung, Sung-Won Sohn, Chul Hyung Kang, Ki-Cheor Bae, Kyung-Jae Lee
  Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(1): 51.     CrossRef
• Volar T-Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures
  Chul Hyun Cho, Ki Choer Bae, Doo Hyun Kwon
  Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(3): 220.     CrossRef