[Anatomic studies of percutaneous bore wire osteosynthesis of the distal radius]

Modified percutaneous K-wire pinning has been used for unstable distal radius fractures groups A 2.2-3, A 3.1-3, B 1.1-2, B 2.1-2, B 3.3, C 1.1-3, C 2.1-3, and C 3.1-2 according to the ASIF-classification in 90 patients with good results. No tendinous rupture or any weakness respectively, infection or secondary dislocation either had occurred six months postoperatively. In five cadavers experimental anatomical studies had revealed possible lesions of the tendons of the brachioradialis muscle, the short and long wrist extensors, the long thumb abductor and his short extensor respectively as well as the superficial radial nerve and the cephalic vein. Abnormous sensations in the scar or in the region of distribution of the superficial radial nerve had occurred in every second patient but had subsided six months postoperatively. No permanent nerve lesion was found. There has been bleeding from the cephalic vein after the stab incision for exposure of the tip of the styloid process in every third patient but had healed uneventfully in every case.