Published in:
01-11-2008 | General Review
A short term functional outcome study comparing closed reduction percutaneous wire fixation with open reduction internal fixation for fractures of the distal radius: a pilot study
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 8/2008
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Background
The best treatment for dorsally displaced distal radius fracture is still debated. The aim of our study is to use the patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) and Euroqol functional outcome scores to look at patients’ function for a minimum of 1 year from the fracture. This is our pilot study to inform a multinational randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Method
32 consecutive patients with a Colles-type fracture were treated surgically. 16 were treated with K wires and 16 underwent an open reduction and internal fixation. At a minimum of 1 year follow up, the PRWE and Euroqol questionnaires were filled in.
Results
Intra articular and extra articular fractures were equally distributed between the two groups. The Euroqol, the EQVAS and PRWE scores showed no statistical difference between the two groups (respectively p = 0.7, 95% CI −0.23 to 0.17; p = 0.05, CI −30 to 0.6 and p = 0.5, 95% CI −18 to 9.4).
Conclusion
Using PRWE and Euroqol, there is no short term functional difference between patients treated with closed reduction and percutaneous wire fixation or open reduction and internal fixation following a distal radius fracture. Based on these results we have achieved our sample size calculation for the multinational RCT.