ABSTRACT
Distal radius fractures are one of the common injuries for which orthopedic consultations are sought. These injuries make up to 10-15% of all bony injuries in adult population. High energy trauma as seen in road traffic accidents is common cause of these injuries. Noncomminuted extra-articular fractures of distal radius are common in adult males following vehicular accidents. Majority of the patients with distal radial fractures are managed by closed reduction and immobilization. Poor functional outcome and complications such as malunion has made many researchers to look for alternative methods of managing these patients. An attractive alternative for managing these cases consist of Percutaneous pinning followed by immobilization of the fracture for 3 weeks. This method is simple and affordable and reported to have excellent functional outcome.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study conducted in the department of orthopedics of a tertiary care medical college situated in an urban area. 40 adult patients with Noncomminuted extraarticular fractures of distal radius were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients were treated by closed reduction followed by percutaneous pinning using K-wires. Below elbow plaster cast was given for 3 weeks after which plaster was removed and physiotherapy was started. Follow up X-rays were taken at 3 and 6 weeks. Functional outcome was assessed by Quick DASH scores. SSPE 21.0 was used for statistical analysis and p value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: Out of the 40 studied cases there were 34 (85%) males and 6 (15%) females a M:F ratio of 1:0.17. The most common affected age group was found to be <30 years (55%) and most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicular accidents (65%). All patients were treated by closed reduction followed by percutaneous pinning using K-wires. Excellent or good functional outcome was seen in 34 (85%) patients. 4 (10%) patients were found to have fair functional outcome and remaining 2 (5%) patients were found to have poor functional outcome as assessed by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.Conclusion:Percutaneous pinning followed by immobilization of the fracture is an effective treatment for Non-comminuted extra-articular fractures of distal radius having excellent functional outcome.