Percutaneous Kirschner’s Wires Fixation versus Volar Locked Plate Fixation for Elderly Patients with Distal Radial Fracture; A comparative study

Abstract

Background: In the senior population, distal radius intraarticular fractures are likely to result in poor clinical results. In the literature, fracture treatment is a contentious topic with conflicting findings. The aim of this study is to compare the functional outcomes of Percutaneous Kirschner’s wires fixation versus volar locked plate fixation for elderly patients with intraarticular distal radial fractures.

Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: There were 25 patients in VLP group and 25 patients in Kwires group. Radiological parameters include radial volar tilt, radial length, and radial inclination will be assessed at pre-operative, post-operative 4 weeks and 3 months. Functional recovery was measured in terms of Green O’ Brien Scoring system. Measurements will be taken at the conclusion of 12 weeks follow-up

Results: Mean age of patients in group A was 65.56 and in group B was 65.36 years old. There was no significant difference between groups regard complication distribution. There was no significant difference regards overall result categories distribution between groups.

Conclusion: If early functional postoperative care is important, volar locked plate fixation is an ideal treatment due to the earlier return to activities of daily living that is observed with this method. Otherwise, K-wire fixation is a good minimally invasive alternative with comparable clinical results, shorter operation time and shorter hospital stay. This is better accepted by older patients.