KIRSCHNER WIRE OSTEOSYNTHESIS FOR DORSAL INSTABILITY IN FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS (COLLES)

The following experimental study was conducted to develop biocompatibl e methods of osteosynthesis in fractures of the distal radius and to e valuate their stability. A model of dorsal wedge osteotomy in the dist al radial metaphysis was used to develop the surgical technique and to test the stability of the alternative methods of osteosynthesis. The concept for this model was based on commercially available materials w hich were either biodegradable or osteoconductive. Four different form s of biocompatible osteosynthesis were compared to combined Kirschner wire osteosynthesis (KWO), our preferred method of treatment of unstab le Colles fracture. Biocompatible osteosynthesis was achieved with an invasivity and stability comparable to that of KWO. In conclusion, inj ection osteosynthesis exceeded the other biocompatible methods of oste osynthesis in all respects. Regarding the recent developments in injec table materials for osteosynthesis it offers the best perspective for clinical application.