Novel 5-pin technique for distal radius fractures

Volume 17 | Issue 3 | July – September 2022 | Page 22-25 | Rajanish Ra, Manikandan Thangarasu, Arunlal Kpa, Jim Thomas Malayila, Hari shankara

Authors: Rajanish Ra [1], Manikandan Thangarasu [1], Arunlal Kpa [1], Jim Thomas Malayila [1], Hari shankara [1]

[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Baby memorial hospital, Calicut, Kerala, India

 

Address of Correspondence

Dr. Manikandan Thangarasu,

Department of Orthopaedics, Baby memorial hospital, Calicut, Kerala, India

E-mail: tmani156@gmail.com


Abstract

Background: Distal radius fractures are one of the most common skeletal injuries encountered in orthopaedic department. The treatment options include POP casting, volar/ dorsal plating, external fixation, and K-wiring. This study was conducted to assess the functional and radiological outcome of a novel percutaneous 5-pin technique in distal radius fractures.

Materials and methods: This is a retro-prospective observational study from January 2018 to June 2020. Novel percutaneous 5-pin technique in a sequential configuration following a closed reduction was performed, followed by physiotherapy, and functional outcome was assessed at 3&6 months following K-wire removal using Cooney’s modification of Green and Obrien scoring and evaluated for functional status, pin loosening, tendon impalement, and nerve injury. Radiological outcome was assessed at 6 months using Sarmiento scoring system (Modified lidstorm criteria)

Results: All 31 patients were assessed. The mean age of patients was 58.45 years, 61.3% was females, with domestic low energy falls being most common mode of injury. All patients were followed up for 6 months post-K-wire removal and 51.6%of patients had excellent outcome, 25.8% had good outcomes and 22.6% of patients had fair outcome with a functional range of supination and pronation movements. All fracture unions were satisfactory and 3 patients (9.7%) developed CRPS, 1 patient developed pin loosening. None of them developed tendon impalement or nerve injuries.

Conclusion: The novel percutaneous 5-pin technique includes two additional ulnoradial wires which provide superior rotational stability and avoid the chance of late collapse and maintain radial height, unlike conventional K-wire techniques. Thus, avoiding the need for more invasive techniques and allows early mobilization of wrist and fingers preventing stiffness, resulting in an excellent outcome.

Keywords: Distal radius fractures, Green and Obrien scoring, K-wire, Novel 5 pin technique


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How to Cite this article: Ra R, Ta M, Kpa A, Malayila JT, shankara H. Novel 5-pin technique for distal radius fractures. Journal of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery July-Sep 2022;17(3): 22-25.

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