K-wire osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures

Distal radius fractures are one of the most frequent injuries of the extremities. Usually these fractures have any displacement, which need not only reposition, but also fi tion. Percutaneous K-wire fi tion is one of the most simple and low-cost method for the treatment of distal radius fractures.Th aim of the study is to review surgical technique of K-wire osteosynthesis of distal radius and to analyze the results of using this technique.Material and Methods. We analyzed 107 patients with distal radius fractures (86 female (80,4 %) and 21 male (19,6%)) treated in the period from June 2018 to January 2021 using K-wire fi tion. The mean age was 58 +15,9. Fractures were classifi d according to Fernandez classifi ation system as type I - 84 cases (78,5%), type II - 4 cases (3,7%) and type III - 19 cases (17,8%). The mean follow-up after the surgery was 36,9 weeks. X-rays (consolidation’s signs, palmar tilt, radial height, radial inclination, joint congruency), functional results as well as QuickDASH-9 score were evaluated during follow-up period. Results. Primary union of distal radius fractures which was confi med by X-ray examination was achieved within 6 weeks after the surgery in all patients. 7 patients (6,5%) had a superfi al pin site infection that resolved with oral antibiotics. In 4 cases (3,7%) in post-operative period, there was a problem with the sensitive branch of radial nerve due to iatrogenic damage (a decrease of skin sensitivity). In all that cases sensitivity fully recovered within 3 to 6 months. Dynamic assessment of post-operative recovery of fl n-extension of the wrist, rotation of the forearm, grip strength as well as QuickDASH-9 score were evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery. After 6 months 74,8% of patients had a good or excellent results, 22,4% - satisfactory. 3 patients (2,8%) stayed unsatisfi d in terms of functional result despite the fracture healing. Conclusions. K-wire osteosynthesis is effective and relatively safe method of surgical treatment for the patients with extraarticular and simple intraarticular fractures of distal radius. The main benefits of this technique are relatively simplicity, low invasiveness and possibility for wires removal on an outpatient basis.