Osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures with the Micronail(®)

INTRODUCTION: The Micronail(®) is a minimally invasive intramedullar titanium locking screw fixation for two-part dislocated extra-articular fractures and average displaced intra-articular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study we analyzed the outcome of 20 distal radius fractures in 18 patients (17 female, mean age 78 years), which were treated by Micronail(®). Average follow-up time was 4 months. We describe the operative technique. All fractures were classified according to AO guidelines. We studied the radiologic and clinical outcome. RESULTS: According to the AO classification there were 12 A2, 3 A3, 1 B1, and 1 B3 fracture. Three patients had an antebrachii fracture. Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 2.4. Eight patients had associated lesions. Average operative time was 58 min. All fractures healed without major loss of alignment. There were two major complications: one patient developed a carpal tunnel syndrome and one device secondary dislocated. With the use of the Micronail(®), we found no infections or complications due to the insertion of the osteosynthesis materials. Patients experienced good to excellent results, on an analogue scale, in function of their wrist from the procedure. All patients had a good range of motion of the operated wrist; the difference between their two wrists was maximal 10° in all directions. CONCLUSION: This intramedullary implant intends to minimize some of the disadvantages of other surgical options in the treatment of distal radius fracture; the Micronail(®) causes less tissue damage and has early load-carrying capacity. This minimally invasive technique seems suitable in selected, two-part dislocated extra-articular and average displaced intra-articular, distal radius fractures.