Results of the Kapandji Procedure in the AO Type C Distal Radius Fracture in Patients over Age 60

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the Kapandji procedure in AO classification type C distal radius fracture patients over 60 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one type C distal radius fracture patients over the age of 60 years who were treated with the Kapandji procedure from June 2004 to June 2009 in our hospital and had a post-operative follow-up period of more than 1 year were enrolled. The volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured for the radiographic analysis using the modified Lidstrom scoring system about post-operative reduction loss in every follow-up radiogram. The clinical result was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean radiologic loss of volar tilt was 1.1degrees and the mean loss of radial length was 2.6 mm and the mean radial inclination loss was 2.7degrees compared with the immediate post-operative period and last follow-up period. The average VAS and DASH scores were 1.4 and 15.9. CONCLUSION: The radiologic results of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using the Kapandji technique for distal radius AO type C fracture patients over 60 years of age was not satisfactory. Nevertheless, the clinical results were satisfactory.

The Amount and Related Factors of Reduction Loss in Distal Radius Fracture after Treatment by Kapandji Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the amount and related factors of reduction loss in distal radius fracture after treatment by Kapandji technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2004 to May 2006, 44 cases (43 patients) of distal radius fractures were treated by Kapandji technique. Fracture were classified with AO classification and volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured in preoperative, immediate, postoperative radiographs. Also the amount and related risk factors of reduction loss were analyzed. In addition, the radiological results at last follow up were evaluated using modified Lidstrom scoring system. RESULTS: There was significantly more reduction loss of volar tilt in the patients with AO type C comparing with other fracture types, but the patients who were treated using three k-wire fixations including intrafocal K-wires showed significantly more reduction loss of volar tilt also. Overall radiological results at last follow up showed that excellent was 50% in cases with dorsal comminution, but, the other cases 90%. In addition, excellent was 70% in type A cases, but, in type C 44%. CONCLUSION: Kapandji technique percutaneous pinning is the one of effective treatment options for distal radius fracture. But, type of fracture, total number of K-wires, and presence of dorsal cortical comminution showed the significant relation with postoperative reduction loss of volar tilt and overall radiological results at last follow up.