Comparison of two methods, ulnar pin and long arm cast with radial schanze and short arm cast, in patients with distal radius fractures

There are two main techniques to accomplish pins and plaster. In this study the results of two surgical techniques is compared in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. In this cross–sectional study، since the beginning of October 2008، for 3 years patients with unstable distal radius fracture (type C division AO) with one of the two pins and plaster (ulnar pin and long plaster، radial schanze and short plaster) were treated. For each patient demographic data، radiographic evaluation، surgical technique، wrist performance evaluation based on MAYO wrist score، patient satisfaction، pain on VAS and complications were recorded. All patients were recalled in October 2012. There were 65 patients in Group A (ulnar pin) and 73 patients in Group B (radial schanze). The wrist radiographic evaluation did not show significant differences between criteria in the two groups during the follow up. The mean score at the final visit after surgery in groups A and B، respectively، were 867. 1 and 891. 2. Patient satisfaction score (from 1 to 10) in group A was 5. 09 and in group B was 8. 41، which is statistically significant. ‍ Due to the low side in radial schanze compared to the ulnar pin (although not significant) and a more satisfactory result after a radial schanze and short plaster approach، this method appears to be a more preferable method than the ulnar pin.