Arthroscopically Assisted Fixation of Intraarticular Distal Radial Fractures

Purpose: To investigate the results of arthroscopically assisted reduction of intraarticular fracture of distal radius with percutaneous K-wires and external fixation. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 12 intraarticular distal radial fractures of 11 patients treated arthroscopically assisted reduction in Orthopedic Department of Sung-Ae hospital between January, 2001 and August, 2001. The mean length of follow-up was 14 months. Analysis of them revealed that B3 was 1 case, C2 4 cases and C3 7 cases according to the AO classification. All cases were treated by 2.7 mm arthrosopic devices and percutaneous K-wires pinning with external fixation, but additionally invasive reductional technique was not used. We removed the osteochondral flap in the joint space and detected the carpal ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears but not treated. The K-wires were removed at 4 weeks, external fixation was 7 weeks, respectively. Results: The mean active range of movement in the affected wrist was total arc of the flexion-extension 72% of the opposite side. Radiographically mean volar tilt, radial inclination and radial length were 5.7 ° , 22.4 ° , and 12.3 mm. The mean articualar step-off was 2 mm or less. Post-operative compartment syndrome and fracture collapse were not occured during follow-up period. According to the Gartland and Werley demerit-point system, eleven cases were a excellent or good and one was a fair result. Conclusion: Arthroscopically assisted fixation is a useful method for reducing the soft tissue injuries and preventing the articular surface incongruency by anatomically reduction in cases of intraarticular comminution.