Abstract: Background: Intraarticular distal radius fractures are commonly seen fractures of the upper extremity showing bimodal distribution in pediatric and elderly adults. The age distribution of distal radius fracture is typically peaks in the 5-14 year age group and also peaks in elderly patients more than 60 years of age.
Aim: To compare the functional outcome of intraarticular distal radius fractures treated with k wire versus conservative management.
Material and methodology: The study was conducted between July 2020 to December 2021 in the department of orthopaedics, RMMCH, 20 patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were included in the study. 10 patients were treated with k wire/ligamentotaxis with k wire, 10 patients were treated with conservative methods. Follow up was done for a minimum period of 6 months, functional outcome was assessed using the Quick DASH Scoring system.
Results: The functional outcome in the k wire group was 12.9, which was found to be better than the conservative group 17.49. No poor outcome was seen in the k wire group. 2 patients had a poor outcome in the conservative group. Malunion was found in 2 patients in the conservative group. No patients had malunion in k wire group. Superficial pin site infection was found in one patient. Stiffness was found in 1 patient in the k wire group and 3 patients in the conservative group.
Conclusion: In our study, the functional outcome results were better in the patients managed with surgical intervention by percutaneous fixation using K wire/ligamentotaxis with k wire than in patients managed with the conservative method by closed reduction and cast immobilisation.
