Kirschner Wire Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures, Indication, Technique and Outcomes

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity fracture that present to US emergency departments. Given the variable presentation, including age and fracture pattern, there are many techniques that have been utilized to treat them. Closed reduction and percutaneous pin (CRPP) fixation remains a viable option in extra-articular and simple intra-articular fracture patterns. CRPP techniques flourished in the mid-twentieth century until the treatment patterns shifted to primarily volar-locked plating in the twenty-first century. Although several meta-analyses have been performed comparing outcomes and complications of CRPP versus alternative methods, controversy remains over which treatments are superior.

Keywords: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP); Distal radius; Fracture; Kirschner wire.