Use of Different Methods of Intramedullary Nailing for Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of using Sonoma WRx versus Micronail intramedullary nailing for the fixation of distal radius fractures. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 68 patients with primarily extra-articular and simple intra-articular fractures of the distal radius who underwent intramedullary distal radius fixation using Sonoma WRx (n=39) or Micronail (n=29) intramedullary nails were enrolled in the study. The clinical outcome measures included the range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcomes (patient-reported Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score and clinician-based Gartland-Werley score), radiographic scores (Stewart score), and parameters related to the quality of radiographic reduction and complications (radial inclination, volar tilt, radial height, and radio-ulnar variance). RESULTS: Significantly higher DASH (15.0±3.3 vs. 8.3±1.5, p<0.001) and Gartland-Werley (4.9±5.4 vs. 2.9±4.2, p=0.029) scores, longer scopy time (21.0±3.9 min vs. 15.8±2.5 min, p<0.001), lower ROM for wrist extension (69.5±4.4° vs. 77.1±7.6°, p<0.001), higher ROM for wrist supination (81.9±5.1° vs. 78.7±3.1°, p<0.001), and higher complications rates (37.9% vs. 15.4%, p=0.034) were noted in the Micronail group compared to those in the Sonoma WRx group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that Sonoma WRx and Micronail implants were equally effective and useful minimally invasive options for treating distal radius fractures. Further, we consider Sonoma WRx superior in terms of shorter operative time, lower complication rates, and better functional outcome scores.