Background: Distal radial fractures are one of the most common injuries seen in traumatology. Most are treated conservatively with closed reduction and immobilisation in a plaster cast. However, this method does not always allow for achieving and maintaining normal fracture reduction in unstable fractures. The aim of this study was assess clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatment of distal radial fractures depending on the method used.
Material and methods: A total of 77 postmenopausal female subjects were divided into three subgroups, depending on the treatment methods: 1. closed reduction and immobilisation in a plaster cast; 2. closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with K wires; 3. open reduction and fixation with a locking plate. Follow-up examinations took place at 4 and 12 months post injury and involved measurements of the range of motion in the radiocarpal joint and hand grip strength. The results were classified according to the Mayo Wrist Score. X-ray images were used to mark parameters of radiographic assessment of the distal radius and the results were classified according to the radiographic Lidstrom score.
Results: The percentage of excellent and good results was significantly higher in both surgically treated groups (plate: 92.6%, K wires: 88.0%) than in the group treated conservatively (48%).
Conclusion: 1.The percentage of excellent and good results from both surgically treated groups (plate: 92.6%, K wires: 88.0%) was significantly higher than in the group treated conservatively (48%). 2. Open reduction with locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures produces better functional outcomes in the early postoperative period and reduces the risk of development of complex regional pain syndrome.