FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF PERCUTANEOUS PINNING IN NONCOMMINUTED EXTRAARTICULAR FRACTURES OF DISTAL RADIUS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

 Distal end radius is one of the most common fractures in orthopaedics and many conservative and surgical methods are available for management. Among them, percutaneous pinning is one of the commonly used methods but like other methods it has its own complications. The method used by us involves percutaneous pinning of the fracture and immobilization  in neutral position  for three to four weeks with aim of measuring functional outcome by this method.

STUDY DATA;

Study was done from August 2018 to Jan 2019 at GMC Jammu.

Type of study: prospective study

Number of patients: 31

Number of males: 20

Number of females: 11

Lost in follow up: 1

Age: 20-55 years

Average time between injury and pinning - 8hrs

METHOD USED:

 First closed reduction done followed by  percutaneous pinning using two or three K-wires under c arm  guidance, followed by a below elbow plaster of pairs dorsoradial slab was applied in neutral position of the wrist for 3-4 weeks. After period of 3-4 weeks slab was removed, X ray done and patient send for physiotherapy. The radiographs were taken postoperatively, at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 5 months. The functional evaluation of the patients was done at 5 months follow-up.

CRITERIA USED:

            Gartland and Werley’s criteria.

COMPLICATIONS:

Pin loosening -7

wrist joint stiffness-3

infection -3 (all managed with oral antibiotics )

malunion-2

RESULTS:

 Excellent results were observed in 83.3% (25 Patients)

 Good in 10% (3 Patients)

 Fair in 6.6% (2 Patients).

CONCLUSION:

            Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning with k wires followed by slab in neutral position is an effective method of management of extra-articular fracture of distal end radius with minimal complications and excellent functional outcome.