The Effect of Transulnar Pinning in Preventing Postoperative Radial Collapse and Wrist Motions in Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract

Introduction:It is thought that transulnar (a Kirschner wire from radius to ulna) pinning provided less collapse at the fracture site in the percutaneous pinning of distal radius fracture. In this study, we compared the radiological and clinical results of the patient groups with and without transulnar pinning for percutaneous pinning of distal radius fracture.Methods:Patients who underwent 16 isolated radius pinning and 11 radius pinning and additional transulnar pin between 2016 and 2021 were included in the study. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, range of motion of the injured wrist at final examination and radiological parameters in terms of ulnar variance, radial height, and volar tilt of the operated wrist were evaluated. The results were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no statistical difference in terms of DASH score, radial height, volar tilt, radial inclination, pronation, supination, and flexion degrees between the two groups. The final extension degrees were found to be statistically higher in the transulnar pinning group.Conclusion:It was observed in our study that radius collapse and radial shortening were less in patients who underwent transulnar pinning in addition to radius pinning; but the difference was not statistically significant.

Keywords

• distal radius fracture
• percutaneous pinning
• colles fracture treatment