Antegrade intramedullary K-wire fixation for distal radial fractures

Manual reduction and antegrade intramedullary K-wire fixation were performed for 29 selected Colles-type distal radial fractures in 29 patients. Severely comminuted intra-articular fractures and Barton's fracture were not included in this study. The tips of the K-wires supported an articular surface of the distal radius. Except for 1 case of skin irritation in the forearm, there were no complications related to tendon or nerve injuries or reflex dystrophy. There was no pin loosening, but protrusion of sharp tips of K-wires into the wrist joint occurred in 3 patients. Average volar tilt, radial shortening, and step-off at follow-up evaluation were 5 degrees, 2.6 mm, and 0.2 mm, respectively. These radiologic results were consistent with values reported in other pinning studies; however, radial shortening was not controlled effectively. Fourteen (48%) of 29 patients had radial shortening >3 mm. The advantages of this surgical procedure are the low occurrence rate of soft-tissue complications and prevention of dorsal angulation of fractures.