Efficacy of External Fixation and Transfixation Pinning of Distal Radioulnar Joint in Distal Radius Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy of percutaneous pinning of distal radioulnar joint in patient with distal radius fracture. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent percutaneous pinning and external fixation for distal radius fracture were included in this study. Radiologic and clinical outcomes were compared between the patients who underwent percutaneous pinning on the radius only (PD group) and the patients with supplementary pinning on distal radioulnar joint (DRU group) after percutaneous pinning on the radius. External fixation was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were PD group and fifteen patients were DRU group. Radial height and radial inclination was significantly higher in DRU group. There was no significant difference in ulnar variance, volar tilt and articular step off between two groups. Among the clinical outcome, there was no significant difference in range of motion between two groups but grip strength was significantly larger in DRU group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous pinning with K-wires on distal radioulnar joint in distal radius fracture can be a useful procedure for prevention of radial shortening without loss of range of motion of the wrist.