A comparison of outcomes of K-wire vs plate fixation for distal radial fractures with regard to patients' quality of life.

The objective of the study was a comparison of outcomes of K-wire vs plate fixation for distal radial fractures with regard to patients' quality of life. One hundred and two patients, 79 women and 23 men with displaced distal radial fractures, were non-randomly allocated for either K-wire (n=72) or palmar plate (n=30) fixation. In general, simpler fractures were fixed by pins, while plates were used for those that were more severe. No statistically significant differences were seen at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessment in any of the analyzed variables: wrist range of motion, total grip and key-pinch strength, and the DASH and SF-36 scores. We conclude that being guided by the postulated algorithm in treatment-choice of distal radial fractures is a reasonable balance between clinical- and cost-effectiveness. We also failed to find any advantage in health-related quality of life as an outcome measure in distal radial fractures compared to standard measures.