Abstract

Aim: To study the functional outcome of operative management of fractures of distal end of radius in adults using various methods like closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation, Open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws and external fixation.
Methodology: The present, “STUDY OF SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES IN ADULTS”, which is a prospective study,was carried out in the Department of Orthopedics, SVS Medical College &Hospital, during August’ 2018 to August’2019.
Results: The total number of cases of fractures of the distal end radius in this prospective study are 20, of which 17 (85%) were Male and 3 cases (15%) were females. The age group of the patients is between 20 to 80 years. The commonest age groups of the cases were in 3rd and 4th decade. The youngest patient is 21 years old and the oldest patient is 65 years old. Mean age is 38.8 yrs. There is a predominant right side involvement.
The mode of injury in most cases is road traffic accidents (55%) followed by fall on outstretched hand (45%). Commonest radiological types of fracture are Frykman type IV, III, II and VII. Intra articular fractures were more than extra articular fractures.
ORIF with plate and screws was done for 11 cases. 7 cases were fixed with ellis plate and 4 cases with LCP through volar approach. Volar Barton fractures were treated with Ellis plate. Closed reduction and K – wire fixation was done for 7 cases. External Fixation was done for 2 cases with Frykman VII and VIII type fractures. There were 2 complications (10%). 1 case landed in malunion and 1 case had superficial infection. Follow –up period was between 3 – 15 months. Results were Excellent in 35% patients, good in 45% patients, fair in 15% cases. 5% (1 case) had poor result.
Conclusion: Operative management of distal radial fractures, regardless of the type of fixation, produces excellent to good results with proper pre- operative evaluation, selection of the method based on fracture pattern, reducibility, stability and quality of bone, early fixation, proper wound and pin site care, early post-operative rehabilitation and patient education