Treatment of distal radius fracture with percutaneous pinning and pin-in plaster with patients older than 60 years

Abstract

Background: Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of upper limbs in adults and their treatment in older patients is difficult. There are different therapeutic methods. In this study we aim to compare the therapeutic outcome of distal radius fractures treated with pin-in plaster and percutaneous pinning in older patients. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 old patients including 40 female and 20 male between 60-85 years old with distal radius fractures were evaluated in two groups of pin-in plaster (n=30) and percutaneous pinning (n=30) for treatment outcome, radiographic changes, functional outcome and pain during 6 month after surgery. Results: Pin-in plaster group compared to percutaneous pinning had significantly better radiologic findings at the end of 6 month. Excellent functional results after 6 weeks were observed in 30% and 23.3% of pin-in plaster and percutaneous pinning groups, respectively (p=0.84), six months after surgery, excellent functional outcome were significantly higher in pin-in plaster group (83.3% vs. 50%, p=0.006). Being painless has no significant difference between groups after 6 weeks (43.3% vs. 56.7%, p=0.54), however it was significantly higher in pin-plaster group after 6 months (93.3% vs. 50%, p=0.002). Conclusion: Pin-in plaster method compared to percutaneous pinning had acceptable radiologic and functional outcome in old patients over 60 years old. Using this method as a simple method with high efficacy in treatment of distal radius fractures is recommended.