RESUMO
Colles fractures are usually treated with closed reduction and forearm plaster. Even if reduced perfectly, some of these fractures tend to redislocate dorsally and radially, requiring repeated reduction maneuvers. Since K-wires cannot be firmly anchored in the distal fragment if comminution exists, Kapandji proposed a method whereby the distal fragment is not pinned at all. He introduced the pins through the fracture itself and into the medullary canal of the proximal fragment, anchoring the wires into the opposite cortices of the radius shaft. In order to "pre-stress" the K-wires, Böhler and Zifko modified the technique and the wires themselves. They inserted the wires through small skin incisions into the fracture and into the proximal fragment as medullary pins. The specially bent pins glide smoothly into the medullary cavity and snugly fit along the distal fragment; thereby minimizing the chance of damaging extensor tendons. One pin is inserted proximal to Lister's tubercle and another radially, proximal to the radial styloid. Technique, indication, and possible technical errors are discussed based on the follow-up of forty one patients.
