Der Unfallchirurg
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Comparative Study
[What advantages does volar plate fixation have over K-wire fixation for distal radius extension fractures in the elderly?].
The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) followed immediately by physiotherapy and of percutaneous K-wire-fixation and casting for unstable distal radius fractures in elderly patients, considering the results both in general, for all such fractures, and selectively for A3 and C2 fractures. ⋯ All the treatments compared are suitable for the treatment of A3 and C2 fractures. The important advantages of ORIF are the early functional physiotherapy without casting and without obligatory second surgery and the earlier return to "activities of daily living", which are all of decisive importance for older patients, who are the ones most frequently affected.