Unstable distal radius fractures treated by modified Kirschner wire ³

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pinning: anatomic considerations, technique, and results. Habernek H. Weinstabl R. Fialka C. Schmid L. Journal of Trauma. 36(1):83-8, 1994 Jan. A modified technique of percutaneous Kirschner-wire pinning for unstable distal radius fractures is presented. Three to four pins are placed from the radial styloid process toward and through the dorsal, volar, and ulnar * cortices of the proximal fracture fragment, respectively. Rotational stability is achieved by bending and counterblowing of the wire ends in the styloid process. Anatomic studies of cadaver wrists revealed possible Á lesions of the superficial radial nerve, the cephalic vein, and the tendons of the brachioradialis muscle or the thumb and wrist extensors, respectively. Nevertheless, in a follow-up of 80 patients after 1 year, no tendinous lesions nor any other serious complications were seen. Using the criteria of Green and O'Brien, the results were excellent in 66.25%, good in 20%, and fair in 8.75%. *