Single versus double percutaneous pinning of pediatric distal radius fractures

The aim of this study was to compare early clinical and radiographic results of single- versus double-pin fixation of unstable pediatric distal radius fractures. A total of 103 consecutive closed distal radius fractures treated with either single or double percutaneous pinning at a tertiary level I pediatric hospital were analyzed. All patients had open physes and had fractures that failed initial closed reduction and casting. Postoperative fracture displacement was assessed by measuring the difference in angulation of the radius in the anteroposterior and lateral views from intraoperative fluoroscopic images to postoperative radiographs taken on the day of pin removal. Complications were identified from the medical record review. In 103 operative distal radius fractures in 101 patients (70 males, 31 females), 52 and 51 distal radius fractures were treated with single and double pinning, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age at the time of surgery was 12.1 (9.0-14.0) years, with the single-pinning group being younger by 1.9 years (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the anteroposterior radiograph (coronal plane) was 2 degrees (1-7 degrees) with one pin versus 1 degrees (0-2 degrees) with two pins (P < 0.01). Median (IQR) postoperative angulation in the lateral radiograph (sagittal plane) was 3 degrees (1-10 degrees) with one pin versus 1 degrees (0-2 degrees) with two pins (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in complications between the single- and double-pinning groups. Double-pin fixation resulted in a statistically significant, but clinically negligible, reduction in postoperative fracture displacement compared with single-pin fixation. Complication rates were similar in both groups. These findings suggest that either single- or double-pinning techniques can be effective, provided appropriate reduction and postoperative immobilization are achieved.