A MODIFIED KAPANDJI PROCEDURE FOR SMITHS FRACTURE IN CHILDREN

Anteriorly displaced fractures of the wrist can be treated by the Kapa ndji technique of percutaneous intrafocal pinning with pins inserted t hrough an anterior approach to give good reduction and stabilisation o f the fracture. We have modified this technique by placing the pins th rough a posterior approach which decreases the risks of neurovascular damage. We have used this method to treat six children with distal rad ial fractures showing anterior displacement or instability. Good anter ior stabilisation was achieved. The pins were removed at an average of eight weeks and the patients were there able to return to full activi ty. This simple technique can be used for unstable fractures after the failure of conservative treatment or in bilateral fractures in adoles cents.