title: Which modality is the best choice in distal radius fractures treated with two different Kirschner wire fixation and immobilization techniques?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to investigate whether the number and position of Kirschner (K)-wires, and the manner and duration of immobilization influence radiologic and functional outcomes of distal radius fractures treated with percutaneous K-wire fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-two patients were included into the study with a mean follow-up period of 19.84±5.22 months (range, 13-34 months). In Group I, forty-five patients were treated with 3 K-wires and supported with a volar semi-circular cast for the first 3 weeks followed by a removable splint for a further 3 weeks. In Group II, forty-seven patients were treated with 2 K-wires and supported with a below-elbow circular cast for 6 weeks postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant difference in grip strength and DASH scores was found between the two groups. In clinical examination, significantly better functional results were determined in patients supported with a removable volar splint. At 6 weeks postoperatively, volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were significantly better in Group I compared to Group II (all p values).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tripod technique with 3 K-wires is a safe and reliable procedure to achieve stability and good radiological results. The use of a removable splint also improves the functional outcomes in the treatment of both intra- and extra-articular distal radius fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir, Turkey. cungunay@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Cüneyd
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Günay
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Özdamar Fuad
authors.initials: ÖF
authors.lastname: Öken
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Turgut Ozal University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Osman Yüksel
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Yavuz
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Eskişehir State Hospital, Eskişehir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Sinem Hürsen
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Günay
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Atalar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome