Intrafocal (Kapandji) pinning of unstable distal radius fractures: a preliminary report

Seventeen consecutive patients (17 wrists) who underwent intrafocal pinning of unstable distal radius fractures, as described by Kapandji, were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 42 weeks after surgery (range, 13-88 weeks). The patients were immobilized for 6 weeks postoperatively. All patients were assessed by a single physician and were asked a set of questions regarding subjective and functional status. All patients underwent physical examination of their upper extremities, and bilateral wrist PA and lateral x-rays were taken. There were 13 females and four males; the average age was 49 years. Ten dominant and seven nondominant extremities were involved. Average volar tilt on follow-up lateral wrist radiography was 7 degrees. This compares with -20 degrees at initial presentation, -12 degrees preoperatively, 6 degrees immediately postoperatively, and 10 degrees in the normal wrists. Radial shortening (average) was -2 mm at initial presentation, -1mm preoperatively, 1 mm postoperatively, 0 mm at follow-up, and 1 mm in the normal wrists. Radial inclination was 17 degrees initially, 20 degrees preoperatively, 23 degrees immediately postoperatively, 23 degrees on follow-up, and 24 degrees in the normal wrists. There was a trend for patients with osteopenic bone to lose their postoperative reduction. However, this was not statistically significant. Patients older than 65 years of age had significantly inferior radiologic results. Loss of pronation and supination averaged 2 degrees (range 0-10 degrees) compared with the uninjured wrist. Loss of dorsiflexion averaged 6.5 degrees, and palmar flexion averaged 7.6 degrees. The patients' subjective complaints were minimal. Average pain on visual analog scale (VAS) was 0.44/10. Function measured 8.64/10 (VAS). Sixteen of the patients were happy with the surgery and the outcome of their wrists. Complications included extensor tendon rupture (one patient), pin migration requiring premature removal (one patient), and initial loss of reduction requiring reoperation (one patient). Intrafocal pinning of unstable distal radius fractures provides an effective means to stabilize these complex injuries. Early follow-up suggests that the patients have a satisfactory functional outcome. The complications in this series were preventable. Intrafocal pinning should be added to the surgical armamentarium in treating distal radius fractures.