Long-term outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for the treatment of distal radius fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to review the long-term outcomes of patients with distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients with 55 AO type A2, A3, C1, or C2 distal radius fractures treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The average age of the patients was 57 years. All patients returned for follow-up examination at an average of 59 months, with a minimum of 22 months. Measurements included active range of motion, grip strength, pain assessment, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and final radiographic assessment. The paired t-test was used to determine significant differences.


RESULTS
All fractures healed within 6 weeks. Active range of motion and grip strength of the injured wrist were statistically equal to those of the uninjured wrist for each of the parameters except wrist flexion and forearm supination. However, the difference in wrist flexion was 5 degrees and the difference in supination was 4 degrees , both of which are of little clinical importance. Eighty-five percent of patients were pain free. Radiographic parameters comparing the immediate postoperative view with the views taken at final follow-up showed no significant differences. One patient required reoperation for loss of reduction after a fall in the preoperative period, and 3 others had minor complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for distal radius fractures had excellent range of motion, normal Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and no significant differences in the radiographic parameters between fracture fixation and fracture healing. Complications were few. Pinning is an efficacious, low-cost treatment option for 2- and 3-part distal radius fractures with excellent long-term results.


METHODS
Therapeutic IV.
Glickel
Steven Z
SZ
CV Starr Hand Surgery Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
Catalano
Louis W
LW
Raia
Frank J
FJ
Barron
O Alton
OA
Grabow
Ryan
R
Chia
Benjamin
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001858:Bone Nails; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014143:Traction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult