Result of the pin fixation with mini-open technique for irreducible distal radius diaphyseal metaphyseal junction fractures in child

Abstract

Aim: Although conservative treatment remains the preferred choice for distal radius fracture in children, reduction losses and failure to achieve reduction remain the main problems at diaphyseal metaphyseal junctional fractures. There is no consensus on the surgical treatment of displaced metaphyseal-diaphyseal distal radius fractures. This study aims to evaluate the result of the crossed pin fixation applied with the mini-open technique at pediatric metaphyseal-diaphyseal distal radius fractures. Methods: The radiological and clinical outcomes of pediatric distal metaphyseal diaphyseal distal radius fractures operated between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively investigated. The clinical follow-ups of the patients were performed in the second, fourth, sixth weeks and the third month. Radiological recovery time, reduction losses during follow-up, complications, and forearm and wrist range of motion were examined. Result: There were 13 boys and 6 girls with an average age of 10.1 (8-12 years). Radiographs taken immediately after the operation showed less than 5% translation in the coronal plane and less than 10% translation in the sagittal plane. An average of 4 degrees of change was observed in the lateral radiographs, and an average of 3 changes was detected in the anterior to posterior (AP) radiographs at the last follow-up. No limitation in the range of motion was observed in the patients. Conclusion: Our data showed that the pin fixation with the mini-open technique was a suitable method to treat metaphyseal-diaphyseal distal radius fractures with a satisfactory alignment and achieving stable fixation.