Treatment of distal radial fractures with grafting and K-wiring

We present a series of 10 distal radius fractures treated with either bone substitute or xenograft, and Kapandji's technique (intra-focal threaded Kirschner wires which lever on the graft before penetrating the opposite diaphyseal cortex). The Kirschner wires are buried. Long-term follow-up (one to five years, mean 2.8 years) shows very little secondary displacement (up to 3 mm loss of radial height on the antero-posterior views and none on the sagittal views), excellent tolerability and integration of substitute and good function. The above operative technique has the advantage to allow immediate mobilisation of the wrist.