Abstract
ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL END RESULTS OF UNSTABLE DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES WITH PERCUTANEOUS CROSS K WIRES

Distal radius fractures are most common fractures of the upper limb. Many methods have been described in literature to manage unstable distal end radius fractures. We evaluated the anatomical and functional end results of unstable distal end radius fractures treated with percutaneous cross k wires fixation. 60 patients with unstable distal end radius fractures were included in this prospective study Unstable fracture were differentiated from stable fracture by criteria given by Cooney et al. Fractures with shearing force and ipsilateral forearm injuries were excluded from the study. All patients underwent percutaneous cross K wires fixation. Radiographs were taken before and after procedure. They were followed up regularly at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and by the end of one year. Results were assessed by Lidstrom’s criteria. Mean age in the study group was 61 years. 80% patients were above 40 years.46 patients were female (76.67%) in our study as compared to 14 males (23.33%). Fall on outstretched hand was most common mechanism of injury (73.33%). Mean loss of radial angle was 1.90, mean loss of palmar angle -3.50, and mean radial shortening was 3.8mm. 76.7% had satisfactory (excellent and good) anatomical results. 83.3% had satisfactory functional results. Percutaneous cross K wires fixation of unstable distal end radius gives satisfactory and reproducible anatomical and functional results