[Distal radius fracture; fixation using Kirschner wire or only a cast? A retrospective comparative study].

56 distal radius fractures were followed for a median period of 54 months (31-88 months) following the accident. Conservative treatment (immobilisation in a plaster alone) was compared to percutaneous K-wire fixation. The two groups of patients were matched in regard to type of fracture, age (+/- 5 years) and sex. The functional end result was assessed according to the scoring system of Gartland/Werley, which was modified by Solgaard. The operative treatment modality showed better functional end results, especially for intraarticular fractures, when compared to the conservatively treated fractures.