Clinical results of surgical treatment of distal radius fractures: a clinical study with minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis

Abstract

Introduction: The use of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of the distal radius fractures has been increasing significantly over the past three years. This increase can be explained by the rising incidence of fractures in economically active patients and their need to early return to work activities. Objective: To analyze the clinical and functional results of patients diagnosed with distal radius fracture with reducible and unstable deviation, who underwent surgical treatment by the minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis technique using a locked intramedullary nail. Methods: We evaluated 53 patients who underwent surgical treatment of reducible and unstable distal radius fractures, classified according to Rayhack as type IIB, using the minimally invasive method with intramedullary locked nail in the period between January 2011 and December 2012. The follow-up time was 6 to 24 months, periodically evaluating radiographic parameters, pain, range of motion, grip strength and quality of life through the DASH questionnaire. Results: Through the analysis of data obtained, we observed a statistically significant improvement in all clinical parameters analyzed. The degree of grip strength and range of motion presented an important improvement since the third week of the postoperative period, so did the pain scales and evaluation through the DASH questionnaire. Conclusion: The minimally invasive technique is a safe and effective procedure, presenting clinical and functional improvement and presenting superior results when compared to other methods described on the literature.