Percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures: a biomechanical study

Mechanical testing of extra-articular distal radius fractures stabilized with percutaneous pins was performed. Twelve fresh-frozen unembalmed radii stripped of all soft tissues were used. An osteotomy with dorsal comminution was made 2.5 cm proximal to the radial styloid. Three pin sizes and four pin configurations were used to fix the fracture, and the constructs were mechanically tested. Results show that at least a .062-inch pin was required for any significant changes in rigidity of the four pin configurations tested to be discerned. Cross-pinning with two radial styloid pins and placement of a pin from the ulnar corner of the radius as the most rigid construct in both torsion and cantilever bending.