corrective osteotomy with k-wire fixation for the treatment of symptomatic distal radius extra-articular malunion

Background: optimization of the corrective osteotomy for treating distal radius extra-articular malunion is an ongoing project. objectives: in this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcome of corrective osteotomy with k-wire fixation in treating patients with symptomatic distal radius extra-articular malunion. methods: twenty-three patients with symptomatic extra-articular malunion of the distal radius, with a mean±sd age of 38.3±7.6 years, and a mean±sd follow-up of 34.4±11.3 months were enrolled in this study. corrective osteotomy was performed through a dorsal approach and using k-wire instead of the plate for the fixation of the osteotomy site. the outcome was assessed with radiographic measurements of ulnar variance, radial tilt, radial inclination angle, radial height, and clinical assessment of wrist range of motion, the short form of disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (quick-dash), and the modified mayo wrist score (mmws). results: radiographic measurements and wrist range of motion in all directions were significantly improved at the last follow-up. the mean±sd final quick-dash score of the patients was 16.3±8. the mean±sd final mmws was 92.2±13.5. according to the mmws, 9 patients (39.1%) had an excellent function, 13 (56.5%) had a good function, and one (4.4%) had a fair function. radiographic union was observed in all wrists within an mean±sd period of 10.2±4 weeks. no postoperative complication was recorded. conclusion: since k-wire fixation is less expensive, requires a smaller incision, and provides acceptable radiologic and clinical outcomes, it could be a good alternative for plate fixation in corrective osteotomy for distal radius extra-articular malunion.