Treatment of distal radius fractures with percutaneous pinning and pin-in-plaster

This article describes a modified technique that combines percutaneous pinning and casting. A prospective study was conducted on 54 patients with distal radius fracture who were treated with percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and pin-in-plaster technique. The surgical indications of this technique included displaced extra-articular fracture, intra-articular fracture without significant comminution, and articular step-off less than 2 mm. The average radial height was 10.96 mm, and the volar tilt was 3.97° on immediate postoperative radiographs. Upon removal of pin-in-plaster and percutaneous K-wires, the average radial height was 9.92 mm, and the volar tilt was 3.93°. Bony union was achieved in all patients; the satisfaction rate was 90.7%. Pin-in-plaster technique is effective for maintaining reduction during bone healing. The procedure provides the ability to achieve anatomic reduction and then maintains this reduction through an adequate method of immobilization.