Radiological and Functional Outcome of Distal Radius Fracture treated conservatively vs Percutaneous K-wire fixation

Abstract

Aim: To compare the radiological and functional result of conservatively treated distant radius fractures (manipulation under anesthesia and plaster of paris) versus percutaneous K- wire fixation Study design: Retrospective Duration and place of study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Indus Hospital, Raiwind campus Lahore from July 2018 to August 2020. Methods: The sample size of 100 patients aged between 18-60 years, closed, isolated distal radius fracture were included, and patients with diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, pathological fractures, chronic renal disease, head injury, chronic liver disease, whose Glasgow coma scale was <14, malignancy were excluded. Patients were randomized as A & B by lottery method. They managed with conservative treatment ( manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and plaster of paris (POP) cast) and K- wire fixation in groups A & B, respectively. Side of the fractured bone, infection, radiological union, and function outcome were recorded. Results: Amongst the total 100 patients in group-A, 32(63.8%) were males, and 18(36.2%) were females, and 35 (70.2%) were males, and 15 (29.8%) were females in Group-B. in group A patients mean age was 38.86.19 years, while patients mean age of the group B was 39.57.36 years. With the conservative method, 45(95.7%), the union rate was while with the K- wire fixation method, the union rate was 48(96%). In group-A, 35(70%) had excellent, 10 (20%) good, 03 (6%) had an average, and 2(4%) poor and in group-B, 40(80%) had excellent, 04 (08%) good, 04(08%) had an average, and 02 (4%) poor functional outcome. Conclusion: In terms of clinical and radiological evaluation, fixation of a distal radius fracture with K-wires has a better outcome than conservative treatment (MUA and POP cast) with a low infection rate and better union and result. Keywords: closed fracture, distal radius, back slab, K-wires