ABSTRACT

Aim: To compare the outcome between K-wire fixation versus plaster of Paris cast for the management of intra-articular distal radius fracture.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal from October 2019 to June 2020 and duration was 8 months. Total 100 Patients with intraarticular distal radius fracture, either male or female having age between 20-50 years and duration of injury <7 days were included in this study. Group A was managed with K-wire fixation and group B managed with plaster of Paris. Functional outcome was compared between the both groups.

Results: Average age of the patients was 33.91±8.32 years. In study group A and B, mean age was 33.92±8.05 years and 33.90±.67 years respectively. In study group A, outcome was found excellent in 41(82%) patients, outcome was good in 7(14%) patients and in 2(4%) patients was fair. No patient was found with poor outcome. In study group B, outcome was excellent, good, fair and poor in 29 (58%) patients, 12(24%) patients, 5(10%) patients and 4(8%) patients respectively. Difference of functional outcome between the groups was significant (P=0.034).

Conclusion: This study concluded that outcome is better after K-wire fixation versus plaster of Paris cast management of intra-articular distal radius fracture.

Keywords: Distal radius fracture, k-wire fixation, plaster of paris, functional, outcome.