[Evaluation of distal radius fracture treatment--non-operative vs. operative with percutaneous pinning]

The aim our study was retrospective analysis of distal radius fracture treatment. We compared conservative treatment (closed reduction, cast immobilization) with operative treatment--percutaneous K-wire pinning.

52 patients--39 female (75%) and 13 male (25%), with mean age of 58 years (range 25-77 years), that underwent displaced distal radius fracture in years 2002-2008. The number of evaluated groups is equal--26 patients, mean follow-up time is 40 months (range 4-79 months). Type of fracture has been evaluated on the X-ray film according to Frykman classification. The final X-ray film was estimated according to Lidström classification (based on radial inclination, volar angulation, radial shortening). Both groups of patient were statistically equal by means of sex, age and initial type of fracture according to Frykman classification. Range of motion of affected and contralateral radio-carpal joint after treatment has been evaluated using goniometer. Results were analyzed with statistical methods.

Group of patients that underwent non-operative treatment had better range of motion only by means of ulnar deviation (statistical significance, p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between patients who underwent operative and non-operative treatment in radiological evaluation using Lidström classification.

Our study has not proved statistically significant differences between patient treated non-operatively and operatively (functional and radiological evaluation), except for one radio-carpal joint range of motion parameter.