Complications of distal radial fractures: pins and plaster treatment.
Recent advances in the treatment of comminuted distal radial fractures has led to the use of pins and plaster, a concept described by many authors. This paper examines whether the use of pins and plaster maintains reduction of distal comminuted radial fractures, and, if so, if it is accomplished with a minimum of complications. With follow-up ranging from 1 month to 1 year following pin removal, 80 consecutive comminuted distal radial fractures treated with pins and plaster were analyzed for change in fracture reduction, associated injuries, and complications incurred during and as a result of the treatment mode. Thirty-three percent of our patients had some complications due to their pins and 16% required reoperation for carpal tunnel syndrome or replacement of loose pins, sequestrectomy, or extended treatment in long arm casts.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors