WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Ali Moustafa*, Safwan Yousef and Ali Yousef

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the functional outcomes of percutaneous Kirshner wires versus volar anatomical locking plates in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures and detect complications postoperatively. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study conducted at Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia-Syria during tow year (February 2019–February 2021). The study included two groups of patients were compared: group 1 consisted of 34 patients (54.8%) who underwent fixation with percutaneous K-wires, whereas group 2 consisted of 28 patients (45.1%) who underwent internal fixation with volar anatomical locking plates. Results: The most frequent age group was 51–65 years (45.1%), and the median age was 51.2 years. Right side was affected in 39 patients (62.9%), and females represented 59.6% of the patients. Low-energy injury was present in 38 patients (61.2%). The most common type of fracture according to the AO classification was type C1 (41.9%). Functional results seem to favor patients treated with volar plates during the initial months following the procedure, but there were no significant differences between the two types of treatment at 12 months. At the end of follow-up, the mean qDASH score was 12 for the volar plate group and 14 for the k-wires group. Sex (male) and fracture type B1 were significantly associated with excellent and good functional results. Superficial pin tract infection, secondary displacement, and complex regional pain syndrome were the most frequent complications in group 1, whereas superficial skin necrosis, chronic swelling, and carpal tunnel syndrome were more frequently in group 2. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with a volar anatomical plate in the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures provide better functional results during the initial months and earlier return to work with less complications.