INTRODUCTION
Fractures of the distal radius are the most common
fractures of the upper extremity and account for 17% of all
fractures treated in the emergency room. Initially thought to
be simple fractures, they are now recognized as complex
injuries with a high percentage of long term complications.
Aims and objectives : To Observe the results and assess the
Functional outcome of the management of Distal End Radius
Fractures by plating, with and without ulnar styloid fixation
with Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and to know the
complications associated.
Materials and methods : This is a prospective study from
January 2015 to December 2017. Out of 40 patients of this
study, radius was fixed by volar plating in all patients,where as
ulnar styloid - fixed by TBW in 20pts and in remaining left
without fixation at Department of orthopedics, Pratima
Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar. All patients were
selected among admissions, operated and results were
assessed clinically and radiographically. Clinical evaluation was
done using modified Demerit score system of Gartland and
Werely. Perioperative complications recorded. Mean followup
period was 6months.
Results : We had 10(50%) in ulnar styloid fixation and 9(45%)
in ulnar styloid non fixation cases rated as excellent, as they
had no deformity of the wrist and there was no pain. None of
the patient had poor modified Demerit score system of
Gartland and Werely. Complications like irritation of EPL due
to K- wire(25%), loosening of K-wire(5%), stiffness (5%) seen
in patients with ulnar styloid fixation. Ulnar sided wrist pain is
seen in 20% of cases without ulnarstyloid fixation.
Conclusion : In fixation group of ulnar styloid , excellent to
good results were seen in 90% of patients, In non fixation of
ulnar styloid group , excellent to good results were seen in
80% of patients suggesting that stabilizing the distal radius
fracture fragments with volar plate and screws ,is only required
method [in both groups] to maintain the anatomical reduction
which is crucial in maintaining stability of DRUJ, till union and
to prevent collapse of the fracture fragments
