FIXATION OF FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL EXTREMITY OF THE RADIUS USING THE MODIFIED KAPANDJI TECHNIQUE: EVALUATION OF THE RADIOLOGICAL RESULTS

To demonstrate a simple and efficacious option for treating fractures of the distal extremity of the radius using Kirschner wires. Methods: Between September 2008 and April 2009, 48 patients with fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, classified as A3 according to the AO classification, were treated surgically using a modification of the Kapandji technique. Results: Out of the 48 wrists operated, 42 (87.5%) presented postoperative measurements within the acceptable limits. We used the parameters of McQuenn and Caspers who considered that the radial angulation should be wider than 19° and the volar angulation should be narrower than -12°. All the postoperative volar inclination measurements were narrower than -3°. The mean preoperative radial inclination was 13.14° and the mean postoperative value was 21.18°. The mean preoperative volar inclination was 28.75° and the mean postoperative value was 3.31°. The mean preoperative radial height was 5.25 mm and the mean postoperative value was 9.48 mm. Conclusion: The technique described here had excellent stability for treating fractures of the distal extremity of the radius classified as A3. It was easy to implement and minimally invasive, with minimal surgical complications, and it was inexpensive.