A safer pin position for external fixation of distal radial fractures

Injury or entrapment of the superficial radial nerve is common in external fixation for fractures of the distal radius. However, by insertion of the half pins dorsally (rather than dorso-radially) in the diaphysis of radius, the nerve should be safe. None of the 40 patients we treated with this safer position of the pins developed symptoms related to the superficial radial nerve.