Open half-pin insertion for distal radial fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Unstable distal radial fractures pose significant treatment challenges.
• External fixation is a common treatment, but pin-tract complications can occur.
• The open technique for pin insertion aims to mitigate these complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the open technique for half-pin insertion in external fixation for unstable distal radial fractures.
• To assess the incidence of pin-tract complications and other adverse events.
• To determine functional outcomes, including wrist range of motion and grip strength.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 22 patients with unstable distal radial fractures.
• External fixation with half-pin insertion using the open technique.
• Follow-up included assessment of pin sites, complications, wrist range of motion, and grip strength at an average of 8 months.

Main Results:

• Of 19 patients, 7 (37%) had early pin-tract drainage, which resolved within 2 weeks.
• No instances of pin loosening, breakage, infection, nerve entrapment, or tendon injury were reported.
• Average wrist flexion/extension was 51/47 degrees, with grip strength at 61% of the uninjured side.

Conclusions:

• The open technique for half-pin insertion in external fixation is efficacious for unstable distal radial fractures.
• This method demonstrates a low complication rate, including minimal pin-tract issues.
• Functional outcomes suggest good recovery of wrist motion and grip strength.