A HOSPITAL-BASED OUTCOME ASSESSMENT OF PERCUTANEOUS PINNING AND PLASTER FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of Percutaneous pinning for distal radius fractures in post-menopausal women. The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, with a study group comprising fty post-menopausal women with distal radius fractures. The research spanned a period of 7 months, and the age group of the participants ranged from 45 to 70 years. Results:The average age of the patients was 55.70 years, with the majority falling in the 45-55 years age group (60%), followed by the 56-65 years age group (30%). The fractures were primarily caused by motor vehicle accidents (54%), self-falls (34%), and other causes (12%). Right wrist fractures were more common, accounting for 66% of cases, while left wrist fractures constituted 34%. The study evaluated various factors such as range of motion, pin loosening, and complications. The average range of motion was 60 degrees in exion, 62 degrees in extension, 26 degrees in ulnar deviation, and 8 degrees in radial deviation. Pronation and supination had an average of 70 degrees and 65 degrees, respectively. Pin loosening was observed in 6 cases, while other complications included pin site supercial infection (n=3), malunion (n=2), joint stiffness (n=4), and reduced grip strength (n=2). Assessment of the patients' functional outcome was carried out at 4 months postoperatively using the demerit score system of Gartland and Werley. The results indicated that 30% of cases showed excellent outcomes, 46% had good outcomes, 16% were rated fair, and 8% were classied as poor. Conclusion: This study highlights that percutaneous pinning with k-wires is a safe and effective treatment for both undisplaced and displaced unstable fractures of the distal end of the radius in post-menopausal women. The functional outcome assessment revealed promising results, with a signicant proportion of patients achieving excellent and good outcomes. With these ndings, percutaneous pinning offers a viable option for managing distal radius fractures in this specic demographic, promoting better patient outcomes and enhancing their quality of life. However, further research and longer-term follow-ups are warranted to validate the long-term efcacy and stability of this treatment approach.