Colles' Fracture: An Epidemiological Nationwide Study in Italy from 2001 to 2016.

The present study aimed to evaluate the yearly number of Colles' fractures in Italy from 2001 to 2016, based on official information found in hospitalization records. A secondary aim was to estimate the average length of hospitalization for patients with a Colles' fracture. A tertiary aim was to investigate the distribution of the procedures generally performed for Colles' fractures' treatment in Italy. An analysis of the National Hospital Discharge records (SDO) maintained at the Italian Ministry of Health, concerning the 15 years of our study (from 2001 to 2016) was performed. Data are anonymous and include the patient's age, sex, domicile, length of hospital stays (days), primary diagnoses and primary procedures. From 2001 to 2016, 120,932 procedures for Colles' fracture were performed in Italy, which represented an incidence of 14.8 procedures for every 100,000 adult Italian inhabitants. The main number of surgeries was found in the 65-69- and 70-74-year age groups. In the present study, we review the epidemiology of Colles' fractures in the Italian population, the burden of the disease on the national health care system (in terms of length of hospitalization) and the distribution of the main surgical procedures performed for the treatment of the disease.

Complex transradial carpal dislocation in a Professional Pianist: Case Report.

Carpal fracture-dislocation associated to distal radius fractures is an uncommon injury of the wrist. Clinical assessment, instrumental diagnosis and treatment are all challenges for the surgeon. In addition, the prognosis in high-functioning patients is nearly always poor. The authors describe an early diagnosis of scapholunate dissociation and joint capsule tear associated with radial styloid and triquetral fractures in a 39-year-old professional piano player. A dorsal approach was used to reduce and fixate the fracture with k-wires, and to repair soft-tissue injuries with a Titanium micro-anchor. Early controlled mobilization was prescribed post-operatively. No other similar investigations were found because of the various associated fractures in the current case study, which normally excludes subjects from retrospective outcome studies on wrist ligament repair. Early diagnosis and surgical management associated with early controlled mobilization resulted in excellent clinical outcomes, according to radiograph imaging, the Italian version of the DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), goniometry and dynamometry.

Attritional rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon by an osseous spur more than 30 years after wrist injury: a case report.

A 46-year-old woman sustained a rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon more than 30 years after wrist injury. She was successfully treated with palmaris longus tendon graft and excision of the osseous spur. Attrition of the extensor pollicis longus tendon by a newly formed osseous spur was the major mechanism.

Changes in length of the radioulnar ligament and distal oblique bundle after Colles' fracture.

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in length of the radioulnar ligament and distal oblique bundle (DOB) within the distal interosseous membrane after Colles' fracture and correlate the magnitude of the changes in length with clinical features. This study investigated 10 patients with malunion of a Colles' fracture. In three-dimensional computed tomography, the paths of the four limbs of the radioulnar ligament (superficial and deep, dorsal, and palmar limbs) and DOB were modelled and each path length was computed. Differences in length between the affected and contralateral unaffected side were calculated and correlated with the radiographic parameters of deformity on plain X-ray, subluxation of the DRUJ on CT, and limited range of forearm rotation in the clinical examination. In the malunited radius, the superficial and deep dorsal limbs of the radioulnar ligament were significantly elongated and DOB was significantly shortened compared with the contralateral side. These length changes correlated with radiographic radial shortening, subluxation of the DRUJ, and inversely correlated with limited range of forearm pronation. This study suggests that the dorsal radioulnar ligament would be overstretched and disrupted in Colles' fracture with severely increased radial shortening, producing laxity of the distal radioulnar joint that could negate limitation of pronation.

The relationship between displacement and clinical outcome after distal radius (Colles') fracture.

We reviewed 260 patients who had been treated non-operatively for a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture a mean 6.3 (range 2.5-12.7) years earlier, in an attempt to find the limits of displacement compatible with a good clinical outcome. We excluded patients with previous or later injuries to the same limb. Bivariate analysis revealed a highly statistically significant relationship between radiographic displacement at review and clinical outcome scores. Correlation coefficients varied between 0.14 and 0.30. However, multiple linear regression analysis using most factors commonly thought to be of importance in determining the clinical outcome as independent variables explained only 23% of the variability of the clinical outcome. Dorsal angulation, ulnar variance, and radial inclination together accounted for only 11% of the variability. We conclude that the final alignment of the distal radius as shown radiologically has only a minor influence on the clinical outcome of Colles' type distal radius fractures.

Rupture of all digital flexors following Colles' fracture.

Flexor tendon rupture following a Colles' fracture is a rare complication with only a handful of cases reported since the initial report in 1932. We present a case in which all digital flexor tendons ruptured within 6 months of a Colles' fracture. Previous reported cases have demonstrated rupture of either the radial or ulnar digital flexors but this case is the first in which all the digital flexors have been involved. This case report highlights the clinical implications of this rare occurrence and stresses the importance of accurate reduction and thorough clinical examination following bony injuries to the wrist.

Osteotomias do rádio distal com uso de placa volar de ângulo fixo / Osteotomy of the distal radius using a fixed-angle volar plate

OBJETIVO: A consolidação viciosa do rádio distal, por sequela de fratura, pode causar incapacidade funcional, levando o paciente a apresentar dor, perda de força e diminuição da mobilidade. Baseando-se nos excelentes resultados obtidos com o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas instáveis do rádio distal com a utilização de abordagem volar e o uso de fixação rígida com a placa volar de ângulo fixo, começamos a utilizar o mesmo método para as osteotomias do rádio distal. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão retrospectiva e encontrou-se 20 pacientes, no período de fevereiro de 2002 a outubro 2009. O tempo de acompanhamento médio foi de 43,9 meses (variando de 12-96 meses). A indicação cirúrgica foi de dor persistente, deformidade e limitação funcional após fratura de deslocamento dorsal. RESULTADOS: A deformidade média pré-operatória foi de 27º de inclinação dorsal do rádio distal, 87º de angulação ulnar e 7,3 milímetros de encurtamento do rádio. Todas as osteotomias consolidaram e a média final de angulação volar do rádio distal foi de 6,2º, com 69,3º de angulação ulnar e um milímetro de encurtamento. A mobilidade média do punho aumentou em 19,9º na flexão e em 24º na extensão. No antebraço, a supinação média aumentou em 23,5º e em 21,7º na pronação. A força do punho aumentou de 13,4 para 34,5 libras. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da placa volar de ângulo fixo por abordagem volar para as osteotomias do rádio distal permite uma correção satisfatória das deformidades e elimina a necessidade de remoção do material de síntese por complicações nos tendões.

OBJETIVE: Skewed consolidation of the distal radius, due to sequelae of fractures, may cause functional incapacity, thus leading such patients to present pain, loss of strength and diminished mobility. Based on the excellent results obtained from surgical treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius through a volar approach and use of rigid fixation with a fixed-angle volar plate, we started to use the same method for osteotomy of the distal radius. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted, and 20 patients treated between February 2002 and October 2009 were found. The mean length of follow-up was 43.9 months (range: 12 to 96 months). The surgical indications were persistent pain, deformity and functional limitation subsequent to a dorsally displaced fracture. RESULTS: The mean preoperative deformity was 27º of dorsal tilt of the distal radius, 87º of ulnar tilt, and 7.3 mm of shortening of the radius. All the osteotomies consolidated and the final mean volar tilt was 6.2º, with ulnar tilt of 69.3º and shortening of 1 mm. The mean mobility of the wrist increased by 19.9º (flexion) and by 24º(extension). Mean forearm supination increased by 23.5º and pronation by 21.7º. Grip strength increased from 13.4 to 34.5 pounds. CONCLUSION: Use of a fixed-angle volar plate for a volar approach towards osteotomy of the distal radius enables satisfactory correction of the deformities and eliminates the need for removal of the synthesis material caused by tendon complications.

[Clinical analysis of acute carpal tunnel syndrome after reduction of Colles' fracture in twenty-two patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) after reduction of Colles' fracture. METHODS: Between December 2006 and June 2010, 22 patients with ACTS after reduction of Colles' fracture were treated with expectant treatment and surgical treatment. There were 9 males and 13 females with an average age of 46.2 years (range, 23-60 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 9 cases, falling in 8 cases, falling from height in 2 cases, hitting in 2 cases, and crushing in 1 case. The mechanism of fracture was direct violence in 3 cases and indirect violence in 19 cases. According to Gartland & Werley classification, there were 2 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II, 14 cases of type III, and 1 case of type IV. Closed reduction was performed in 19 cases and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in 3 cases. The average symptom time of ACTS after reduction of Colles' fracture was 11.6 hours (range, 1 hour 30 minutes to 48 hours) in patients undergoing closed reduction and was 24 hours in 1 patient and 2 weeks in 2 patients undergoing ORIF. Expectant treatment was performed first, the forearms were put in neutral position in closed reduction cases; if there was no relief of ACTS symptom 1 week later, the mixture of 1 mL glucocorticosteroid and 1 mL 2% lidocaine was injected into carpal tunnel once a week for 2 weeks. The mixture was injected into carpal tunnel directly once a week for 2 weeks in ORIF cases. In the patients who failed to expectant treatments, ORIF was performed. RESULTS: In 7 cases of type III that failed expectant treatment, ACTS symptoms were relief completely after ORIF. All the 22 patients were followed up 12 months on average (range, 8-18 months). The average time of complete disappearance of median nerve compression symptom was 11 days (range, 2-25 days). All the patients had normal finger motion, sensation, and opposition of thumb with no sensation of anaesthesia and pinprick. The results of Tinel test, Phalen test, and Reverse Phalen test were all negative. The X-ray film showed good fracture reduction and healing with an average healing time of 6 weeks (range, 3-14 weeks). According to GU Yudong's criteria for functional assessment, the results were excellent in 18 cases and good in 4 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Malposition, displacement of fracture fragments, and ulnar deviation of the wrist after plaster immobilization are the most important risk factors for ACTS. Expectant treatments are recommended in patients with Colles' fracture of types I, II, and IV, but surgical treatment is the first choice for Colles' fracture of type III.

Intra-articular distal ulnar fractures associated with distal radial fractures in older adults: early experience in fixation of the radius and leaving the ulna unfixed.

There is no clear consensus about the best management of intra-articular distal ulnar fractures associated with distal radial fractures in older adults. We describe a treatment wherein the distal radial fractures were securely fixed with a palmar plate, leaving the associated ulnar fractures unfixed. The wrists of 14 patients with a mean age of 74 years were reviewed at an average of 18 months after surgery. The results were excellent in 11 cases and good in three, according to the modified Gartland and Werley score. All fracture sites displayed union, and there was no instability of the distal radioulnar joint. A widening of the distal radioulnar joint space was present in one wrist. Angular deformity of the distal ulnar metaphysis was seen in five wrists. This treatment could be an alternative to open reduction with internal fixation for intra-articular distal ulnar fractures in older adults.

Complication of a closed Colles-fracture: necrotising fasciitis with lethal outcome. A case report.

We report a case of a 77-year-old female patient who died 4 days after a closed colles-fracture of the right wrist because of secondary emerged necrotising fasciitis. At the time of visiting our emergency department, the patient reports about untypical pain and progressive swelling of the entire right arm 3 days following a fall onto the outstretched hand where she sustained a closed distal radius fracture. Within 6 h, the patient developed hypotension and fever leading to cardiac and respiratory failure. The emergent-induced diagnostic presented a severe septic situation in the laboratory examination of the blood samples, an apparent before unknown diabetes mellitus and an unknown bronchial carcinoma with part of post-stenosis pneumonia of the right lung. After initial CPR and stabilisation, the patient underwent an urgent and aggressive surgical debridement with fasciotomies of the muscle compartments of the entire right upper extremity. The microbiological investigation of the intraoperative taken specimens presented plentiful group-A-beta-haemolytic streptococcus. Despite a broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy, intensive care support and a second look operation 12 h later with exarticulation of the right arm in the shoulder joint, the patient died of septic shock and multiorgan failure 34 h after admission.

[Bone disease with Pain. Colles' fracture].

The distal radius is one of the most commonly fractured long bone. Colles' fracture results from a fall on the dorsiflexed and pronated hand. The dinner-fork deformity is the typical deformity of the Colles' fracture. For patients with no or a little displacement, conservative treatment is applied. The non-bridge type external fixator is applied for patients without an intra articular fracture. For patients with a comminuted fracture, the locking plate (volar approach) is recommended. During the healing period, shoulder, elbow and finger exercise should be insisted.

Secondary prevention of osteoporosis after Colles fracture: Current practice.

OBJECTIVES: Colles fracture in the elderly is accepted as evidence of osteoporosis. NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) recommends osteoporosis treatment in all fragility fractures over 75 without a DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan and after DXA scan in younger patients. All clinicians involved in the patient's care are said to be responsible for this. METHODS: We reviewed current practice in United Kingdom to find out the role played by orthopaedic surgeons in organising this treatment. We sent a questionnaire to 150 BOTA (British Orthopaedic Trainees Association) members by e-mail. RESULTS: The response rate excluding bounced mails was 63%. Only 5% of respondents prescribed osteoporosis treatment and 32% requested general practitioner to do this. Twenty-four percent referred the patients for either DXA or to an osteoporosis service. Although 86% were aware of NICE guidelines regarding osteoporosis, only 35% thought it could amount to negligence on the surgeon's part for not dealing with this. Fourteen percent worked in hospitals having an osteoporosis service which co-ordinated further management of these patients. Eleven percent expressed concerns over the source of funding for the management of osteoporosis and said that this was the reason for not offering treatment themselves. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the importance of concrete local protocols in management of osteoporosis especially secondary prevention after an osteoporotic fracture. At present, it appears to be safe practice to indicate this in correspondence to patient's general practitioner and inform the patient as well.

[Trauma to the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC)]. / Traumatická poskození triangulárního fibrokartilaginózního komplexu (TFCC).

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) can be injured either due to trauma or by chronic strain. Based on these findings, Palmer devised a classification system distinguishing traumatic (I) and degenerative (II) TFCC lesions. Traumatic TFCC injury may be single or involved in a combined injury of the distal radius. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment in patients with traumatic TFCC injury at six-month follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the years 2000 to 2004, 23 patients with injury to the wrist were treated. The group comprised 16 men and 7 women at an average age of 34 years (range, 17 to 54 years). Nine patients were diagnosed with a distal radial fracture and 14 had no damage to the bony structures. Of these, seven showed clinical signs of TFCC injury and were indicated to acute arthroscopy of the wrist. The remaining seven, due to persisting complaints, were examined by arthroscopy within 3 months of injury. During the arthroscopic procedure, the Palmer type of injury was identified and arthroscopic treatment, open or closed, was carried out at the same stage. All patients were followed up for 6 months for pain relief and return to full physical activity. RESULTS: The arthroscopic examination revealed the following TFCC lesions: 11 central ruptures (I.A), 6 ulnar tears (I.B), 4 palmar (I.C) and 2 radial (I.D) avulsions. During arthroscopy, partial resection of the disc was performed in 13 cases (I.A, I.D), and reattachment of the disc to the styloid process of the ulna was carried out in six cases (I.B). In four of these patients the intervention was done at the stage of acute lesion within 4 weeks of injury, and in two within a longer period. Four patients with type I.C injuries underwent open disc reattachment from the palmar approach. Subjective evaluation showed that 65 % of the patients had no complaints, 26 % reported pain after excessive activity and 9 % had pain associated with daily activities. Nome of the patients reported rest pain. DISCUSSION: In our group, 91 % of the patients reported excellent and very good results at six months of follow-up. The two patients experiencing pain in daily activities (9 %) had type I.B. injury and were indicated for arthroscopy at a time longer than 6 weeks after injury. CONCLUSIONS: TFCC lesions are wrist injuries which, if diagnosed early and treated appropriately, show good healing. If the triangular fibrocartilage complex is damaged by a central tear, disc resection gives good results. However, if the distal radioulnar ligaments are torn, their reattachment is necessary in order to prevent instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Open surgical procedures interfere with integrity of the distal radioulnar joint ligaments, which may lead to joint instability and prolonged healing.

A study of male patients with forearm fracture in Northern Ireland.

Osteoporosis, although considered less common, still occurs in men. We present a cross-sectional study of a group of Northern Ireland men with low-trauma forearm fractures to determine the presence of osteoporosis and screen for secondary causes of low bone mineral density. Male patients aged 30-75 years, presenting with distal forearm fracture in 2000-2001 in Northern Ireland, were identified through a Colles fracture database. A total of 37 subjects consented to have bone mineral density measurements undertaken at the femoral neck, spine and forearm using a Lunar expert bone densitometer. Twenty-seven percent of the men had osteoporosis at the spine, femoral neck or forearm, as defined by a bone mineral density score of less than -2.5. We also found that 49% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, 27% had low serum testosterone, 14% had abnormal liver function test results, and 14% had raised parathyroid hormone. Only one patient received advice or treatment regarding osteoporosis at the time of fracture. Increased awareness of male osteoporosis and the need for screening for potential secondary causes in this group of patients is required, both at primary and secondary care level.

[Distal radioulnar joint injuries associated with Colles fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnosis and treatment of Colles fracture with dorsally dislocated ulna. METHODS: From July 2004 to November 2004, 20 cases of Colles fracture with dorsally dislocated ulna treated with supination-cast were evaluated. RESULTS: Fractures were healed in all cases, and no recurrent dislocation was found in duration of 6 - 10 months follow up. Evaluation with Gartland and Werley score system showed that 100% of patient restored excellent function of wrist and forearm. CONCLUSIONS: Supination-cast is an effective option for the acute cases. Well understanding of this injury and early diagnosis are critical.

Leukocytes in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS I) is unclear. An inflammatory reaction may cause the syndrome in which leukocytes may play an important role. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this pilot study of six patients with acute warm CRPS I, we performed radiolabeled autologous leukocyte scans of both hands, in order to assess leukocyte accumulation. Comparison was made with the unaffected limb, and with three control patients with a Colles fracture without CRPS I. RESULTS: Images of the CRPS I patients obtained 4 h after leukocyte injection provided the clearest results. At 4 h post-injection, there was clear, asymmetrical leukocyte accumulation in the affected extremity with a mean ratio of 1.49+/-0.19. In control patients, no asymmetry was observed between hands (mean ratio 1.09+/-0.06), indicating the absence of specific leukocyte accumulation. There was a statistically significant difference between CRPS I and control subjects 4 h post injection (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: We found a significantly increased accumulation of leukocytes in patients with CRPS I. This is the first study to show a possible role for leukocytes in the pathophysiology of acute CRPS I.

Evidence from data searches and life-table analyses for gender-related differences in absolute risk of hip fracture after Colles' or spine fracture: Colles' fracture as an early and sensitive marker of skeletal fragility in white men.

UNLABELLED: Based on data searches and life-table analyses, we determined the long-term (remaining lifetime) and short-term (10- and 5-year) absolute risks of hip fracture after sustaining a Colles' or spine fracture and searched for potential gender-related differences. In aging men, Colles' fractures carry a higher absolute risk for hip fracture than spinal fractures in contrast to women. These findings support the concept that forearm fracture is an early and sensitive marker of male skeletal fragility. INTRODUCTION: Colles' fracture occurrence has been largely ignored in public health approaches to identify target populations at risk for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to estimate the long-term and short-term absolute risks of hip fracture after sustaining a Colles' or spine fracture and to search for potential gender-related differences in the relationship between fracture history and future fracture risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the long-term (remaining lifetime) and short-term (10- and 5-year) absolute risks of hip fracture, we applied life-table methods using U.S. age- and sex-specific hip fracture incidence rates, U.S. age-specific mortality rates for white women and men, pooled hazard ratios for mortality after Colles' and spine fracture, and pooled relative risks for hip fracture after Colles' and spine fracture, estimated from cohort studies by standard meta-analytic methods. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the estimated remaining lifetime risks are dependent on age in both genders. In women, remaining lifetime risks increase until the age of 80 years, when they start to decline because of the competing probabilities of fracture and death. The same pattern is found in men until the age of 85 years, the increment in lifetime risk being even more pronounced. As expected, the risk of sustaining a hip fracture was found to be higher in postmenopausal women with a previous spine fracture compared with those with a history of Colles' fracture. In men, on the other hand, the prospective association between fracture history and subsequent hip fracture risk seemed to be strongest for Colles' fracture. At the age of 50, for example, the remaining lifetime risk was 13% in women with a previous Colles' fracture compared with 15% in the context of a previous spine fracture and 9% among women of the general population. In men at the age of 50 years, the corresponding risk estimates were 8%, 6%, and 3%, respectively. Similar trends were observed when calculating 5- and 10-year risks. CONCLUSIONS: In aging men, Colles' fractures carry a higher absolute risk for hip fracture than spinal fractures in contrast to women. These findings support the concept that forearm fracture is an early and sensitive marker of male skeletal fragility. The gender-related differences reported in this analysis should be taken into account when designing screening and treatment strategies for prevention of hip fracture in men.

The Sauve-Kapandji procedure and the Darrach procedure for distal radio-ulnar joint dysfunction after Colles' fracture.

This retrospective study evaluated the results of the Darrach procedure and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for the treatment of distal radio-ulnar joint derangement following malunion of dorsally displaced, unstable, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in patients under 50 years of age. Twelve of 18 possible patients in the Sauve-Kapandji group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 4 years postoperatively and nine of the 18 returned for a follow-up examination at a mean of 2 years. Twenty-one of 30 possible patients in the Darrach group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 6 years postoperatively and 13 of these 30 returned for follow-up examination at a mean of 4 years. The Darrach procedure and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure yielded comparable and unpredictable results with respect to both subjective and objective parameters.