Abstract
Aim of the study: to assess the early complication rate following k-wiring of distal radius fractures and their clinical outcome. A retrospective treatment.
METHOD: 48 patients with 50 Distal Radial fractures, number? High velocity (26 Males, 22 Females; Mean age 34 years; Range 4 to 88 years) treated by Closed K-Wiring during the period between January 2005 to June 2005 were assessed in terms of early complications following MUA and K-Wiring and their final outcome. All cases were performed by staff grade or above.
12 patients (24%) had discharge, pin tract granulation, loosening, out of which 4 required antibiotic. Out of 12 only 2 (4%) has positive swab culture requiring Intravenous antibiotics.
3 patients (6%) had symptoms suggesting superficial radial nerve damage of which 2 recovered completely after pin removal. One had residual symptom, put on waiting list but symptoms got better and she refused further treatment.
9 patients (18%) had stiffness out of which only 3 (6%) had residual stiffness at the end of 6 months. However this stiffness can not be attributable to k-wiring alone (?fracture intra articular).
CRPS was noted in 1 patient (2%) and recovered after prompt physiotherapy. There were no cases of deep infection, osteomyelitis, tendon rupture, pin migration or significant loss of position in our study.
CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that though early complication rate of K-wiring is alarming, it does not affect the final outcome of fracture management; and this complication can be avoided by proper technique and care.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bimal Singh, BOSA at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
