The Role of Additional K-Wires on AO Type C Distal RadiusFracture Treatment with External Fixator in Young Population

Several methods have been proposed to treat AO type C distal radius fracture. External fixator has gained popularity forits simple procedure and rapid recovery. Some surgeons suggested that additional K-wires may play a critical role in the outcome.The purpose of study is to evaluate the role of additional K wires in treating distal radial fracture with external fixator regarding itsoutcome.Material and Methods. From January 2006 to January 2010, 40 patients with AO type C distal radius fracture were treatedwith external fixator, with (EF) or without additional K wires (EFK). Radiologic outcome parameters include radial inclination,volar tilt, radial length, and the presence of radiocarpal arthritis according to Knirk and Jupiter. Clinical outcomes include NewYork Orthopedic Hospital (NYOH) wrist scoring scale.Results. Radiographic outcome showed significant difference in regard ofarticular congruency at the final follow-up with the EFK group showing the advantage in maintaining the articular incongruity.NYOH wrist scoring scale showed no significant difference between both groups at final follow-up. The amount of articular step-offwas less in EFK group with significant statistical finding on the final follow up.Conclusion. Both EF and EFK technique were able toprovide satisfactory result in treating AO type C distal radius fractures. We observed that EFK is superior in reducing the numberof radiocarpal arthritic changes compared to EF group due to its superiority in reducing articular step-off