OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of using percutaneous K-wires fixation after manipulative reduction combining with gypsum or splint fixation for treatment of the Barton fracture of aged people.

METHODSFrom June 2011 to May 2013, 91 patients with closed and fresh Barton fracture were analyzed retrospectively which information was complete. According to different methods these patients were divided into three groups: 33 patients in group A were treated by simplex fixation of gypsum or splint after manipulative reduction, including 20 males and 13 females with an average age of (63.27 ± 5.83) years old; 35 patients in group B were treated by percutaneous K-wires fixation after manipulative reduction combining with gypsum or splint fixation, including 23 males and 12 females with an average age of (64.25 ± 4.53) years old; 23 patients in group C were treated by open reduction and internal fixation including 15 males and 8 females with an average age of (64.04 ± 4.83) years old.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 10 to 16 months with an average of 12 months by the method of recheckging in outpatient clinic. According Dienst scoring system: in group A, the result was excellent in 15 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 11 cases; in group B, excellent in 25 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 4 cases; in group C, excellent in 16 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 2 cases. The excellent and good rate of group C was better than that of group B and A, further more group B is better than group A. According to X- ray standard, in group A, 26 patients were acceptable, 7 patients were unacceptable; in group B,28 patients were acceptable, 7 patients were uacceptable; in group C, 19 patients were acceptable,4 patients were unacceptable; there were no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05). There were 18 patients with emerging recrispation in group A, 10 patients in group B, 6 patients in group C, the result of group B and C was better than that of group A, and there was no statistically significant between group B and C (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONUsing percutaneous K-wires fixation after manipulative reduction combining with gypsum or splint fixation for treatment of the Barton fracture of aged people is an effective method, it has advantages of micro-invasived, reliable fixation, less complication, not need to fix wrist joint and early functional exercise.