Assessment of Five Pin Technique versus Conventional Kirschner Wire Fixation for Management of Distal Radial Fractures

Background: The ideal treatment for distal radius fracture should be a simple one with low complication and with the best functional outcome. Conventional Kirschner Wire Fixation is used for their management, and recently five pin technique has been introduced. Objective: The aim of the currents study is to compare the radiological outcome, the functional outcome, post-operative complication, and time of union of five pin technique with conventional k wire fixation in treatment of distal radius fractures.
Patietns and methods: A total of 48 patients who had fractured their distal radius were included in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were divided into 2 groups with 24 patients in each group: Patients in Group A underwent five-pin techniques surgeries, and patients in Group B were operated via conventional k wire technique. At their follow up radiological evaluation was done using Sarmiento score (modified Lidstrom criteria), and Cooney adaptation of the Green and O'Brien score for clinical assessment.
Results: Loss of palmar tilt, radial shortening and loss of radial deviation were significant lower in 5 pin group, also the overall score was significantly better in 5 pin group. Pain and range of movement were significantly higher in 5 pin group, and total result score also was significantly higher in 5 pin group. The excellent overall score was associated with 5 pin score. Conclusion: Closed reduction and 5-pin configuration of K-wire fixation for distal radius fractures are excellent management options for distal radius fractures in terms of functional outcome, pain, range of movements, and stability than conventional k wire fixation after carefully selected distal radius fractures.