percutaneous kirschner wire fixation of Colles fracture

ABSTRACT

A prospective evaluation of closed reduction, percutaneous K wire fixation and external immobilization for Colles fractures in 45 patients is presented. The patients selected had unilateral fracture, were free from systemic bone disease and had no history of injury to the wrist in the past. Fractures were reduced by closed method under image intensifier, fixed with two K wires [1.6 mm diameter] and protected with a dorsal slab from metacarpophalangeal joints to proximal forearm. Pins and slabs were removed after six weeks and patients encouraged to resume normal activity. The patients were followed up for six months to one year at an interval of three months. 39 patients were available at one year for subjective and objective assessment. The clinical results in 30 patients were excellent, good in six patients and satisfactory in three patients. The results of this series demonstrate that simple percutaneous fixation with two wires can successfully maintain reduction in most displaced Colles fractures with a very low incidence of complications and unsatisfactory results and can be recommended as a procedure of choice for Colles' fracture