Intrafocal pinning for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures

ABSTRACT

Intrafocal pinning of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures, as described by Kapandji in 1976, was very popular during the last two decades of the last century. This method has clear economic advantages over other modern methods of internal fixation such as locking plates. The authors aim at presenting the results of a series of 56 patients operated for distal radius fractures between 1994 and 1999. All patients were clinically reviewed and radiographically assessed at a mean of 16 months follow-up. The authors believe that intrafocal pinning remains a valuable method for the treatment of dorsally displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures; however, it should be used with caution in presence of epiphyseal and dorsal metaphyseal comminution