title: Open half-pin insertion for distal radial fractures.
abstract: Twenty-two patients with unstable distal radial fractures were treated with external fixation using the open technique for half-pin insertion. Of the final study group of 19 patients, 7 (37%) demonstrated early pin-tract drainage, which resolved within 2 weeks after insertion. No pin loosening, pin change, pin breakage, infection, dorsal sensory nerve entrapment or irritation, tendon injury, or additional radial fracture occurred. Wrist range of motion in flexion/extension was 51/47 degrees, and the grip strength ratio (injured versus non-injured side) was approximately 61% on follow-up (average, 8 months). The open technique has proved efficacious in reducing complications associated with external fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore 21201.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Eglseder
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*