External Fixation with Five Pins for Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of five-pin external fixation, with the fifth pin stabilizing the distal radius articular fragment, for unstable distal radial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cases of unstable distal radial fractures were treated with five-pin external fixation (5-pin group). The fifth pin was inserted into the distal articular fragment and attached to the external fixation frame. Metacarpal pins were removed at sixth week in 12 cases and at third in 8 cases, and radial pins were removed at eighth or ninth week. The radiographic results of 5-pin group were compared with those of 20 cases of traditional four-pin external fixation (4-pin group). RESULTS: The postoperative radial inclination was 23.1 degrees in 5-pin group and 22.2 degrees in 4-pin group; while at last follow-up 21.8o and 15.1 degrees respectively. Postoperative volar tilt was 8.5 degrees and 7.3o; while at last follow-up 6.3 degrees and 0.1 degrees respectively. Postoperative radial shortening was 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm; while at last follow-up 1.1 mm and 2.1 mm respectively. In 5-pin group, there were no significant differences in results whether the metacarpal pins were removed at sixth or third week. CONCLUSION: Five-pin external fixation, with the fifth pin stabilizing the distal articular fragment, enhanced early motion of the wrist maintaining fracture stability in unstable fractures of the distal radius.