Comparative Outcomes of Percutaneous K-Wires Versus Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Focus on Stability in Osteoporotic Patients and Both-Bone Distal End Fractures

Background Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are commonly treated with percutaneous K-wire or plate fixation. The relative efficacy and stability of these methods, particularly in osteoporotic patients and in cases involving both distal radius and ulna fractures, remain subjects of clinical debate. Objective This study aims to compare the outcomes of percutaneous K-wire fixation versus plate fixation in patients with distal end radius fractures, focusing on postoperative stability in osteoporotic conditions and both-bone distal end fractures. Methods A total of 50 patients were retrospectively analysed and divided into two groups: 25 underwent percutaneous K-wire fixation, and 25 underwent plate fixation. Outcomes measured included bone healing time, complication rates, functional recovery using the DASH score, and radiological outcomes through standard X-ray imaging. Results Preliminary data suggest that plate fixation offers better stability, especially in osteoporotic patients and cases with both-bone involvement. Complications with K-wire fixation were more frequent in these subgroups. Conclusion Plate fixation may provide superior stability and functional outcomes in treating DRFs, particularly in complex cases involving osteoporosis or bone injuries. Further research with larger sample sizes and prospective design is recommended.

The Interobserver Reliability of Grading of Distal Radius Volar Plate Prominence

PURPOSE

The 3-category rating of volar plate prominence in relation to the most volar edge of the distal radius (the watershed line) on lateral radiographs was reliable among a small group of surgeons and associated with the probability of flexor tendon irritation and potential rupture. Classifications are often less reliable when tested among a large group of practicing surgeons in different environments.

METHODS

In this survey-based experiment, an international group of 115 fracture and upper extremity surgeons viewed 1 of 4 sets of 24 lateral radiographs (96 unique lateral radiographs) of patients with distal radius fractures who underwent volar plating in the practice of a single surgeon using 2 types of plates. Surgeons were asked to rate the following metrics: (1) the grade of plate prominence according to Soong, (2) whether the plate was more prominent than the watershed line, (3) whether the plate was separate from the bone distally, and (4) whether there is more than 5° of dorsal angulation of the distal radius articular surface.

RESULTS

The interobserver agreement of the classification was "fair" (κ = 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27-0.36), and grading was more reliable among surgeons who do not supervise trainees. Volar prominence was less reliable (κ = 0.034; 95% CI = 0.013-0.055) than plate separation from bone (κ = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.42-0.59) and more than 5° of dorsal angulation (κ = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.35-0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Among a large number of international practicing surgeons, the classification of volar plate prominence in 3 categories was fair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The diagnosis of plate prominence might develop toward criteria with moderate reliability, such as separation of the plate from the bone and residual angulation of the distal radius.

Internal Versus External Fixation for the Treatment of Distal Radial Fractures: A Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-Analyses

Although a serious of meta-analyses have been published to compare the effects of internal versus external fixation (IF vs EF) for treating distal radial fractures (DRF), no consensus was obtained.B y performing a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses comparing IF versus EF for the treatment of distal radial fractures, we attempted to evaluate the methodology and reporting quality of these meta-analyses, interpret the source of discordant results, and therefore determine the dominant strategy for the treatment of distal radial fractures based on the best evidence currently. An electronic databases search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library to retrieve meta-analyses comparing IF versus EF for treating DRF. Reference lists of relevant literatures were also screened manually to retrieve additional ones. Two investigators independently assessed the eligibility of retrieved articles using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All characteristics as well as outcome variables including functional outcomes, range of motion, radiological results, and complication rates with relevant heterogeneity information presented in each included study were extracted. Heterogeneity was thought to be significant when I² > 50%. We adopted the Oxford Levels of Evidence and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) Instrument to assess the methodological quality of every included study, and applied the Jadad decision algorithm to select studies with more likely reliable conclusions. A total of 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The AMSTAR scores ranged from 5 to 9 with a median of 7.75. Following the Jadad algorithm, the meta-analyses with most reliable results can be selected based on the search strategies and application of selection. Finally, 2 meta-analyses with most RCTs and highest AMSTAR scores were selected in this systematic review of overlapping meta-analysis. The best available evidence suggested that compared with EF, IF was significantly associated with lower Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, better rehabilitation of volar tilt and radial inclination, and lower infection rate at 1-year follow-up. Therefore, we could conclude that internal fixation is superior to external fixations for the treatment of distal radial fractures.

Are Volar Locking Plates Superior to Percutaneous K-wires for Distal Radius Fractures? A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fractures are common, costly, and increasing in incidence. Percutaneous K-wire fixation and volar locking plates are two of the most commonly used surgical treatments for unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. However, there is uncertainty regarding which of these treatments is superior.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine whether patients treated with volar locking plates (1) achieved better function (2) attained better wrist motion, (3) had better radiographic outcomes, and (4) had fewer complications develop than did patients treated with K-wires for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (inception to 2014, October Week 2), EMBASE (inception to 2014, Week 42), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant randomized controlled trials; we supplemented these searches with manual searches. We included studies of extraarticular and intraarticular distal radius fractures. Adjunctive external fixation was acceptable as long as the intent was to use only K-wires where possible and external fixation was used in less than 25% of the procedures. We considered a difference in the DASH scores of 10 as the minimal clinically important difference. We performed quality assessment with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and evaluated the strength of recommendations using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Seven randomized trials with a total of 875 participants were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Patients treated with volar locking plates had slightly better function than did patients treated with K-wires as measured by their DASH scores at 3 months (mean difference [MD], 7.5; 95% CI, 4.4-10.6; p < 0.001) and 12 months (MD, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.3; p = 0.004). Neither of these differences exceeded the a priori-determined threshold for clinical importance (10 points). There was a small early advantage in flexion and supination in the volar locking plate group (3.7° [95% CI, 0.3°-7.1°; p = 0.04] and 4.1° [95% CI, 0.6°-7.6°; p = 0.02] greater, respectively) at 3 months, but not at later followups (6 or 12 months). There were no differences in radiographic outcomes (volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height) between the two interventions. Superficial wound infection was more common in patients treated with K-wires (8.2% versus 3.2%; RR = 2.6; p = 0.001), but otherwise no difference in complication rates was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the small number of studies and the limitations inherent in a meta-analysis, we found that volar locking plates show better DASH scores at 3- and 12-month followups compared with K-wires for displaced distal radius fractures in adults; however, these differences were small and unlikely to be clinically important. Further research is required to better delineate if there are specific radiographic, injury, or patient characteristics that may benefit from volar locking plates in the short term and whether there are any differences in long-term outcomes and complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

UK DRAFFT: a randomised controlled trial of percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires versus volar locking-plate fixation in the treatment of adult patients with a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius

BACKGROUND

In high-income countries, 6% of all women will have sustained a fracture of the wrist (distal radius) by the age of 80 years and 9% by the age of 90 years. Advances in orthopaedic surgery have improved the outcome for patients: many such fractures can be treated in a plaster cast alone, but others require surgical fixation to hold the bone in place while they heal. The existing evidence suggests that modern locking-plate fixation provides improved functional outcomes, but costs more than traditional wire fixation.

METHODS

In this multicentre trial, we randomly assigned 461 adult patients having surgery for an acute dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius to either percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation or locking-plate fixation. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation© (PRWE) questionnaire at 12 months after the fracture. In this surgical trial, neither the patients nor the surgeons could be blind to the intervention. We also collected information on complications and combined costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) to assess cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were well balanced and over 90% of patients completed follow-up. Both groups of patients recovered wrist function by 12 months. There was no clinically relevant difference in the PRWE questionnaire score at 3 months, 6 months or 12 months [difference at 12 months: -1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.5 to 1.8; p=0.398]. There was no difference in the number of complications in each group and small differences in QALY gains (0.008; 95% CI -0.001 to 0.018); Kirschner-wire fixation represents a cost-saving intervention (-£727; 95% CI -£588 to -£865), particularly in younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to the existing literature, and against the increasing use of locking-plate fixation, this trial shows that there is no difference between Kirschner wires and volar locking plates for patients with dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius. A Kirschner-wire fixation is less expensive and quicker to perform.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN31379280.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 17. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Type C distal radial fractures treated with conventional AO plates: an easy and cost-saving solution in a locking plate era

PURPOSE

C-type distal radial fractures remain challenging fractures. Currently locking plates are very popular because of their length preserving, stability. A considerable drawback is the high cost. Since 2003 we have been using mini AO plates (2.7 mm) as an alternative. We analysed our results and performed a cost analysis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed of all patients operated upon between 2003 and 2008 for C type distal radius fractures. Reduction was achieved with mini AO plates, applied in a buttress fashion, with ligamentotaxis. Rehabilitation consisted of immediate mobilisation. Pre- and postoperative X-rays, operative results and patient charts were reviewed. Furthermore, we prospectively evaluated the functional results using VAS, DASH and Mayo wrist scores. Lastly, we assessed the implant costs and compared them to locking plates.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were treated with a mean age of 49 years. Mean radial shortening improved 2 mm; dorsal and radial angulation improved 23 and 4°, respectively. At consolidation (eight weeks) the average radial shortening was 0.75 mm, a volar angulation of 3°, and 21° of radial angulation. Functional results were excellent, demonstrated by a mean VAS score less than 1, a DASH score of 12 and a Mayo wrist score of 87. Compared to locking plates, there was an overall reduction in material costs of 15,300 Euro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique has excellent biomechanical stability, enabling immediate functional rehabilitation, good anatomical and functional outcome with significantly lower costs.

[Volar locking plating for distal radial fractures. Is osteoporosis associated with poorer functional results and higher complications rates?]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the functional and radiological results and complication rates after locking plate osteosynthesis of unstable distal radial fractures in elderly patients as a function of the bone mineral density (BMD). The hypothesis that reduced BMD is accompanied by poorer function and a higher rate of complications was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 65 consecutive patients with unstable distal radial fractures, AO 23-A2 (n=1), -A3 (n=29), -C1 (n=2), -C2 (n=28) and -C3 (n=5) were included with a mean age of 69 years (range, 52-86 years). Standardized clinical and radiological follow-up was performed 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months postoperatively. All patients underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry of the contralateral distal radius within 6 weeks postoperatively and 3 groups could be differentiated: group I (n=27) osteoporosis, group II (n=27) osteopenia and group III (n=11) normal BMD. Data on the DASH and QAL scores as well as the range of motion, grip strength and radiological parameters were collected. According to the BMD a detailed analysis of complications was performed.

RESULTS

Exemplary the 12 months results of DASH and the range of motion are shown here: the DASH 12 months postoperatively was DASH(total)=6 (0-64) P, DASH(group I)=7 (0-32.5) P, DASH(group II)=11 (1-63) P, DASH(group III)=2 (0-23) P, no significance. The range of motion increased significantly in all 3 groups (except pronation in groups I and III) from 6 weeks to 3 and 12 months postoperatively and 12 months postoperatively showed means for dorsal extension 55° (25-75), palmar flexion 55° (35-75), ulnar abduction 35° (20-45), radial abduction 20° (5-40), supination 90° (60-90) and pronation 85° (65-90) in the total sample. The comparison of DASH and range of motion was not significantly different at each time of follow-up between all 3 groups. A group-specific analysis of implant and BMD dependent complications showed 2/27 (7%) secondary intra-articular screw perforations in group I, 1/27 (4%) in group II and 0/11 in group III.

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis that a reduced BMD is accompanied by a poorer function and a higher rate of complications was refuted. Analysis of complications showed a trend to more BMD-dependent complications in the osteoporosis group.

Radiological dorsal tilt analysis of AO type A, B, and C fractures of the distal radius treated conservatively or with extra-focal K-wire plus external fixateur

OBJECTIVE

Fractures of the distal radius are amongst the most common injury patterns. The dorsal tilt represents an important co-factor determining functional outcome. The purpose of this study was to analyze the radiological dorsal tilt and identify critical time frames in conservative and operative treatment of distal radius fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-seven conservatively treated (hematoma block assisted reduction and splinting) and 37 operatively treated (reduction, extra-focal K-wire fixation, bridging external fixateur) AO type A, B, and C fractures of the distal radius in 124 females were retrospectively analyzed. The dorsal tilt at the initial, post-reduction, and 2 weeks post-reduction stages was correlated with the final radiographic outcome at 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Mean initial dorsal tilt was 16.53° in the conservatively treated group and 26.76° in the operatively treated group. Mean dorsal tilt after 6 weeks showed significant differences from the mean initial dorsal tilt at time of presentation within both groups (both groups p < 0.000). No significant differences between the two groups were found after 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.194) regardless of the underlying AO fracture type. Conservatively treated radius fractures showed a significantly higher slip rate within the first 2 weeks (primary slip rate), whereas the operative group presented a significantly higher slip rate between the 2-week and 6-week radiographic checks (secondary slip rate).

CONCLUSION

In terms of dorsal tilt, conservative (cast immobilization) and operative (K-wire fixation plus external fixateur) treatment demonstrated no significant differences at the final radiographic examination (6 weeks) regardless of the underlying AO fracture type. Both treatment groups showed treatment-associated different primary and secondary slip rates, indicating a need for more frequent radiographic checks within these critical time frames.