Distal radius fractures: nonoperative and percutaneous pinning treatment options

Nonoperative treatment of distal radial fractures by reduction and immobilization remains the most common treatment, based on the incidence of appropriate fracture types, as seen in many epidemiological studies in the literature. In this article, the indications, technique, predictors of failure, outcomes, and complications are reviewed. A variety of treatment options have been proposed for distal radial fractures that are predicted, or subsequently identified, to be too unstable for nonoperative management. Percutaneous pinning is an effective option for select fractures. The authors also review the indications, described techniques, complications and outcomes associated with this treatment option.