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.