[Percutaneous intramedullary bore-wire fixation of typical localized radial fractures in danger of dislocation]

During the years 1973 through 1981 127 of altogether 1156 patients with fractures of the distal end of the radius (representing 11%) were treated with a percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation at the surgical clinic, Grevenbroich. The technique was used in the treatment of transverse, oblique or marginal fractures with dorsal displacement (Colles' type) or palmar displacement (Smith's type) of the distal fragment. A follow-up examination of 120 patients revealed excellent results in 36.7%, good results in 53.3%, fair results in 9.2% and poor results in 0.8%. Of seven epiphyseal fractures of the distal and of the radius five had an excellent and two a good result. The total results were analysed regarding to the age and sex of the patients and the fracture types I-VIII of Frykman's classification and were compared with indication, technique, complications and results of different methods of operative fixation. The advantages of percutaneous intramedullary pin fixation are simple practicability, minimal injuries of soft tissues, low expenditure of personnel and equipment and avoidance of secondary repositions.