Functional Outcomes of Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures with or without Osteoporosis

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of osteoporosis on the results of percutaneous K-wire fixation for distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and February 2011, Fifty seven patients who underwent fixative surgery with K-wires after closed reduction and those available for follow-up for at least 6 months were reviewed. They were divided into the two groups of T score -3 or more (group 1) and T score less than -3 (group 2). These groups were compared by the range of motion of the wrist and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiologic evaluations consisting of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were compared. In group 1 with 34 cases, the average age was 65.4 years (50 to 78 years) and T score was -1.97 (-0.1 to -2.93). In group 2 with 23 cases, the average age was 74 years (54 to 89 years) and T score was -4.11 (-3.1 to -6.97). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between group 1 and group 2 in terms of range of motion, DASH score and radiologic evaluations. CONCLUSION: In the case of no volar side cortical comminution, percutaneous K-wire fixation can be applied for the treatment of distal radius fracture with osteoporosis.

The Fate of Butterfly Fragments in Extremity Shaft Comminuted Fractures Treated with Closed Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing

PURPOSE: For conservative treatment of shaft fractures, the butterfly fragments that were somewhat larger in the closed intra-medullary (IM) nailing. The results of treatment were monitored using radiography separately for the weight-bearing femur and non-weight-bearing humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 27 from Group I and 31 from Group II. In the two groups, the displacement and angulation changes in the fragments, and the degree of improvement of these two factors, were compared using follow-up radiography. RESULTS: The mean angulation of fragments in Groups I and II were 9.2degrees and 9.6degrees, and the mean degree of displacement of the fragments in Groups I and II were 16.7 mm and 21.2 mm, respectively. Follow-up radiography showed that the above factors improved in both groups. The degree of displacement was significantly lower in the normal cases than in the complicated cases (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Displacement and angulation gradually improved in both groups. It was found that the degree of displacement after the initial reduction is more important than the influence of anatomical position or weight bearing. This indicates that care should be taken when inserting IM nails to prevent displacement or angulation.