External fixation or percutaneous pin fixation in distal intraarticular radius fractures in elderly patients

Hyperdistraction with external fixation in the treatment of distal intraarticular fractures (Frykman types VII/VIII) in elderly patients results in a higher risk of secondary shortening and loss of the radius length with functional impairment. Using the modified K-wire technique of Kapandjii, a more sufficient restoration of articular congruency can be achieved. The overall score showed 87.5% excellent and good results in the Kapandjii group, compared to 76.5% in the external-fixation group.