DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES WITH DORSAL DISPL ACEMENT - COMPARISON OF THEPREDICTIVE VALUE OF 6 CLASSIFICATION

Purpose of the study The authors compare six classifications in a pros pective study of distal radius fractures surgical treatment. Classific ations included Castaing's, Frykman's, Gartland's, Older's, Lindstrom' s and Jenkins'. Material 96 patients presenting a distal radius fractu re were included in a protocol comparing two surgical treatments. 42 w ere treated with styloid pinning and immobilization while 54 with intr a-focal pinning and immediate mobilization according to Kapandji's tec hnique. Methods Each patient was graded initially according to each si x classifications. Patients were reviewed at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Clinical and radiographical evaluation were performed. Clinic al and radiological results were compared according to each group of c lassification. Results None of the six classifications appeared to hav e any utility to predict functional or radiological results. None was able to distinguish treatment option. Discussion The six classificatio ns did not permit to predict clinical or radiological outcome of dista l radius fractures treated by radial styloid pinning or Kapandji's tec hnique. All those classifications have been described for conservative treatment rarely performed in France for displaced fractures. Conclus ion The six classifications tested showed no predictive value in K-wir e treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.