ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences of the outcome between external fixator and external fixator supplemented with K-wire in the treatment of distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one cases which underwent external fixation (external fixation group) and 28 cases, external fixation supplemented with K-wire (external fixation with K-wire group), were analyzed. Radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were compared in preoperative, immediate postoperative radiographs, and radiographs after removal of external fixator between two groups. And functional outcome including flexion, extension, pronation and supination of wrist were compared between two groups and wrist pain, as well. RESULT: Radial length and radial inclination in the postoperative radiographs and radiographs after removal of external fixator showed no difference between two groups, but volar tilt of external fixation group measured 2.1+/-4.2 degrees, 1.3+/-3.8 degrees and external fixation with K-wire group, 8.8+/-2.3 degrees, 8.5+/-2.4 degrees respectively, so that external fixation with K-wire group showed better reduction and maintenance. Wrist flexion and extension about postoperative 6 months measured 25.6+/-8.2 degrees, 25.1+/-10.2 degrees, respectively, in external fixation group and 42.5+/-15.2 degrees, 33.6+/-9.5 degrees in external fixation with K-wire group, so that external fixation with K-wire group showed better functional results. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of distal radius fractures, to obtain better reduction and function result, external fixations supplemented with K-wire need to be taken into consideration.