To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the Kapandji procedure in AO classification type C distal radius fracture patients over 60 years old.

Twenty-one type C distal radius fracture patients over the age of 60 years who were treated with the Kapandji procedure from June 2004 to June 2009 in our hospital and had a post-operative follow-up period of more than 1 year were enrolled. The volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured for the radiographic analysis using the modified Lidstrom scoring system about post-operative reduction loss in every follow-up radiogram. The clinical result was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score at the last follow-up.

The mean radiologic loss of volar tilt was 1.1° and the mean loss of radial length was 2.6 mm and the mean radial inclination loss was 2.7° compared with the immediate post-operative period and last follow-up period. The average VAS and DASH scores were 1.4 and 15.9.

The radiologic results of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using the Kapandji technique for distal radius AO type C fracture patients over 60 years of age was not satisfactory. Nevertheless, the clinical results were satisfactory.