Fragment-specific fracture fixation and double-column plating of unstable distal radial fractures using AO mini-fragment implants and Kirschner wires.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of AO mini-fragment implants and 1.25-mm Kirschner wires using fragment-specific fracture fixation and double-column plating for displaced or unstable distal radial fractures.


METHODS



METHODS
prospective and consecutive.


METHODS
level II trauma hospital.


METHODS
28 people with 30 fractures and an average follow-up of 21.1 (range 12-41) months, treated with fragment-specific fracture fixation.


METHODS
anatomical assessment using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, graded according to Sarmiento's modification of Lidstrom's scoring system. CLINICAL OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: DASH and Modified Gartland and Werley scores.


RESULTS
There were 24 excellent and 6 good radiological results. Final mean grip strength was 83% of uninjured side, and mean wrist range of motion was 61 degrees dorsiflexion, 54 degrees palmar flexion, 85 degrees supination and 83 degrees pronation. Gartland and Werley's demerit point system revealed 13 (43%) excellent, 12 (40%) good, 5 (17%) fair and no poor results. The mean DASH score was 18, with a standard deviation of +/-18.


CONCLUSIONS
This fixation method is a reliable and low-cost alternative with good clinical and anatomical results, particularly useful in open reduction and internal fixation of comminuted intra-articular distal radial fractures.
Chang
H C
HC
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Changi General Hospital, Singapore 529889, Singapore. haw_chong_chang@cgh.com.sg
Poh
S Y
SY
Seah
S C
SC
Chua
D T C
DT
Cha
B K
BK
Low
C O
CO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000592:standards*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome