This study aimed to compare limited open reduction and transepiphyseal intramedullary fixation with Kirschner wire (LOR-TIKW) versus open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screw (ORIF-PS) for treatment of irreducible distal radius diaphyseal–metaphyseal junction (DMJ) fracture in older children.
Data of children (aged 10–14 years) treated in our hospital for distal radius DMJ fractures with LOR-TIKW or ORIF-PS from January 2018 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up was until radiographic union. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data; treatment cost; healing time; functional outcome (by Price criteria); complications; and postoperative angulation and displacement were compared between children treated by the two methods. Statistical analysis was performed with alpha set at
A total of 26 children were included: 14 treated with LOR-TIKW and 12 with ORIF-PS. Operation time was less (22.1 min vs. 46.7 min,
For irreducible DMJ fracture of distal radius in older children, LOR-TIKW appears to be a promising method with several advantages over ORIF-PS.