Percutaneous pinning versus volar locking plate fixation for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures- reoperation rates over an eight year period.

Abstract

To compare reoperation rates between closed reduction with percutaneous pinning (CRPP) and internal fixation with a volar locking plate (VLP) for the treatment of distal radius fractures. A retrospective review of all patients with dorsally displaced distal radius fractures presenting to a hospital over an eight-year period. 1364 procedures were reviewed after applying the exclusion criteria; 663 underwent CRPP and 701 underwent VLP. The results showed that CRPP had higher rates of revision surgery due to fixation failure than VLP (p = 0.003), however there was no statistical significance in overall reoperation rates when all complications were considered (p = 0.060). This was due to higher rates of tendon related problems (p = 0.003), neurological complications (p = 0.005) and hardware removal (p = 0.01) in the VLP group. Overall reoperation rates were similar between both techniques however there were differences in complication profile and nature of revision surgery. This information is useful when discussing treatment options with patients to help guide selection of the best procedure for that individual.