Radiologic Reduction Loss after Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare and analyse radiologic reduction loss between fixation with K-wire only group and fixation with K-wire and external fixator group for surgical treatment of distal radial fracture. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We analysed 60 patients who received the operative treatment with K-wire fixation only or K-wire and external fixator and also were in regular follow up at least one year. We compared radiologic reduction loss of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt between immediate post-operative radiograph and latest follow up radiograph according to operative methods, fracture patterns and age groups. RESULTS: Reduction loss of volar tilt was greater in fixation with K-wire only group than fixation with K-wire and external fixator group (p<0.05). Reduction losses of radial length and radial inclination were more in intra-articular subgroup than extra-articular subgroup in fixation with K-wire only group (p<0.05). No significant difference of reduction loss was noted between intra-articular and extra-articular subgroups in fixation with K-wire and external fixator group. CONCLUSION: More radiologic reduction loss can be expected in fixation with K-wire only group for intra-articular distal radius fracture compared with extra-articular distal radius fracture. Additional external fixation should be added in intra-articular distal radius fracture to reduce radiologic reduction loss.