Colles' fracture: efficacy of pins and plaster

Colles' fracture of the distal radius is a common injury; however, controversy exists over the treatment of unstable fractures of this type. A retrospective analysis of patients with distal radius fractures treated with pins and plaster was performed to assess the effectiveness of the technique. The study group comprised 73 patients (10 men and 63 women) with an average age of 64.7 years (range, 51 to 82). Roentgenographic measurements of radial height, radial angle, and volar angle were compared at initial and final treatment. Medical records were reviewed for complications. A difference in radial height of 1.6 mm was observed from the first postoperative visit to the final assessment (P = .001); however, this was not believed to be clinically significant. The differences in the radial and volar angles were negligible and not statistically significant. The complication rate was 55%, with the most common complication being some degree of residual finger and wrist stiffness (39%). Pin tract infection occurred in only 1 patient. The use of pins and plaster is a feasible alternative in the management of low-energy distal radius fractures.