Fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal: reducción bajo fluoroscopía versus asistencia artroscópica. Revisión sistemática / Distal radius intraarticular fractures: fluoroscopy reduction versus arthroscopic assistance. Systematic review

Resumen: Introducción: Las fracturas intraarticulares de radio distal son un desafío terapéutico para el cirujano ortopedista. Hay estudios que avalan el uso de la fluoroscopía y otros promueven la artroscopia. Con este trabajo intentamos resumir la evidencia, para determinar si la asistencia artroscópica aporta beneficios adicionales para evitar incongruencias articulares en comparación con los resultados obtenidos bajo asistencia fluoroscópica. Material y métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de estudios prospectivos, retrospectivos, de cohortes, seguimiento, ensayos clínicos en PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar y otras fuentes nacionales, incluyendo como palabras clave los términos: intraarticular distal radius fracture, wrist arthroscopy, arthroscopy, fluoroscopy. Los valores medios y desvíos estándar para cada característica, obtenidos de los trabajos seleccionados fueron analizados usando estadística descriptiva y gráficos ilustrativos. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 463 pacientes (256 mujeres y 207 hombres), con una edad promedio de 48.29 años y rango de 39 a 64 años. Los dos tratamientos (A y F) fueron homogéneos en cuanto a la edad de los pacientes que reportan (p = 0.5820) y el tiempo de seguimiento promedio (p = 0.9597). Sólo la desviación cubital y el DASH, para las cuales el grupo de artroscopía tuvo mejor desempeño, en las variables restantes las diferencias no fueron significativas. Conclusión: La evidencia disponible hasta la fecha es controvertida y no permite hacer recomendaciones a favor o en contra de estas intervenciones, encontrando otros factores que podrían influir en la toma de decisiones.

Abstract: Introduction: Intraarticular distal radius fractures are a therapeutic challenge for the orthopedist surgeon there are studies that support the use of fluoroscopy, and others promote arthroscopy, with this work we try to summarize the evidence, to determine whether arthroscopic assistance provides additional benefits to avoid joint incongruities compared to results obtained under fluoroscopic assistance. Material and methods: Systematic search for prospective, retrospective, cohort, follow-up, clinical trials on PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Scielo, Embase, Google Scholar and other national sources, including as keywords the terms: «intra-articular distal radius fracture¼, «wrist arthroscopy¼, «arthroscopy¼, «fluoroscopy¼. The average values and standard offsets for each characteristic, obtained from the selected works, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and illustrative graphs. Results: 463 patients (256 women and 207 men) were evaluated, with an average age of 48.29 years and range from 39 to 64 years. The two treatments (A and F) were homogeneous in terms of the age of the patients reporting (p = 0.5820) and the average follow-up time (p = 0.9597). Only the ulnar deviation and DASH score, for which the arthroscopy group performed best, in the remaining variables the differences were not significant. Conclusion: The evidence available to date is conflicting, and does not allow recommendations to be made for or against these interventions, finding other factors that could influence decision-making.

Radiographic Evaluation of Patients Submitted to Percutaneous Fixation With Solid Screw for Distal Radius Fracture Treatment / Avaliação radiográfica dos pacientes submetidos a fixação percutânea com parafuso maciço para tratamento de fraturas da extremidade distal do radio

Abstract Objective The present paper aims to present results from radiographic evaluations of patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures submitted to percutaneous fixation with a 3.5 mm solid screw. Methods Analytical, descriptive and retrospective case series of 16 patients with evaluation of the radiographic parameters. Results The average age of the study population was 46.5 years old (25-60 years old); 81.25% of the sample was female. The average time until surgery was 8.8 days (4-14 days). The mean preprocedural volar tilt was - 7.41° (−23.48°-5.29°, standard deviation [SD] ± 6.59°). The mean volar tilt immediately after surgery was 5.93° (SD ± 6.23°, p< 0.001). There was no statistical difference in volar tilt values after 6 months of follow-up. The mean preprocedural radial height was 4.13 mm (−7.8 mm-9.5 mm, SD ± 5.06 mm). There was a statistically significant increase at the immediate postoperative period to 10.04 mm (p= 0.002), and a significant reduction at 6 months to 9.55 mm (p= 0.012). The consolidation rate was 100% with the technique used, with a minimal complication rate. No patient had infection or required a reoperation. Conclusion The technique was effective for the treatment of distal radial extra-articular fractures at 6 months, with a low complication rate; radiographic parameters values were acceptable and close to the anatomical ones.

Resumo Objetivo Apresentar o resultado das avaliações radiográficas dos pacientes com fraturas extra-articulares do rádio distal submetidos a fixação percutânea com parafuso maciço de 3.5mm. Métodos Série de casos, analítica, descritiva e retrospectiva de 16 pacientes com avaliação dos parâmetros radiográficos da técnica utilizada. Resultados A média de idade da população estudada foi de 46,5 anos (25-60 anos), sendo 81,25% do sexo feminino. O tempo de espera até a cirurgia foi de 8,8 dias (4-14 dias). O tilt volar médio pré-procedimento foi - 7,41° (−23,48°-5,29°, desvio padrão [DP] ± 6,59°). O tilt volar imediatamente após o procedimento cirúrgico foi de 5,93° (DP ± 6,23°, p< 0,001). Sem diferença estatística nos valores de tilt volar ao final de 6 meses de evolução. A altura radial pré-procedimento foi de 4,13 mm (−7,8°-9,5°, DP ± 5,06°). Aumento estatisticamente significativo no pós-operatório imediato para 10,04 mm (p= 0,002). Redução significativa ao final de 6 meses para 9,55 mm (p= 0,012). Atingimos 100% de consolidação com a técnica utilizada, com índice mínimo de complicações. Nenhum paciente apresentou infecção ou precisou ser reoperado. Conclusão A técnica mostrou-se eficaz para o tratamento de fraturas extra-articulares da extremidade distal do rádio ao final de 6 meses, com baixo índice de complicações e parâmetros radiográficos aceitáveis e próximos dos valores anatômicos.

Fractura metafisaria de radio distal asociada a una fractura de escafoides, en un adolescente de 14 años / Distal radius fracture combined with scaphoid fracture, in a 14-year-old teenager / Fratura metafisária do rádio distal associada a uma fratura escafóide em adolescente de 14 anos

La asociación entre fractura de radio distal y fractura de escafoides es una asociación infrecuente, en la presentación inicial, pasa inadvertida muchas veces la fractura a nivel de escafoides. El diagnóstico precoz nos permite un correcto tratamiento evitando posibles complicaciones en la evolución. Se presenta el caso de un adolescente de 14 años con dicha asociación lesional. Se le realizó reducción cerrada y fijación percutánea con alambres de Kirschner a nivel del radio distal y se trató la fractura de escafoides, de forma ortopédica, con yeso antebraquipalmar con inclusión del primer dedo. Se obtuvo la consolidación de ambos focos con excelentes resultados clínicos.

The association between distal radius fracture and scaphoid fracture is a rare association, in many cases the scaphoid fracture can be overlooked at the initial presentation. The early diagnosis allows a correct treatment avoiding possible complications in the follow-up. The case of a 14-year-old teenager with this association is presented. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation was performed with Kirschner Wires at distal radius fracture, the scaphoid fracture was treated orthopedically with short-arm thumb spica cast. Consolidation of both fractures was obtained with excellent clinical results.

A associação entre fratura do rádio distal e fratura do escafoide é uma associação pouco freqüente; na apresentação inicial, a fratura do escafóide geralmente passa despercebida. O diagnóstico precoce nos permite um tratamento correto, evitando possíveis complicações na evolução. É apresentado o caso de um adolescente de 14 anos com essa associação lesional. Ele foi submetido a redução fechada e fixação percutânea com fios de Kirschner no raio distal, e a fratura do escafóide foi tratada ortopedicamente com um molde de antebraço incluindo o primeiro dedo. A consolidação de ambos os focos foi obtida com excelentes resultados clínicos.

Complicaciones a mediano plazo de la prótesis monopolar modular de cabeza radial / Mid-term complications of the monopolar, modular radial head prosthesis

Resumen: Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el tipo, la frecuencia y la gravedad de las complicaciones después de la implantación de la prótesis monopolar modular de cabeza radial. Material y métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente 47 pacientes con 48 prótesis de cabeza radial implantadas entre 2009 y 2017 durante una media de 43.55 meses (rango: 12-89). Resultados: Se implantó el mismo tipo de prótesis en cada paciente (Ascension Modular Radial Head) . La puntuación media obtenida en la clasificación Mayo Elbow Performance Score fue de 88.29 ± 9.9 puntos. Durante el seguimiento tres pacientes (6.25%) sufrieron dolor continuo. Doce casos (25.5%) mostraron sobredimensión radiológica, aunque sólo cinco fueron sintomáticos. Se detectó osificación heterotópica en 27 casos (57.4%), 11 pacientes (23.4%) desarrollaron rigidez postoperatoria, 19 casos (40.42%) mostraron osteólisis periprotésica, de los cuales siete fueron sintomáticos, 13 pacientes (27%) presentaron complicaciones: tres casos de infección, cuatro casos de aflojamiento sintomático, dos neuroapraxias, una inestabilidad y tres casos de sobredimensionamiento con rigidez asociada. Nueve pacientes (18.75%) fueron reintervenidos. Discusión: Presentamos 27% de complicaciones globales, principalmente relacionadas con la sobredimensión y el aflojamiento protésico y 19% de reintervenciones. Estos resultados son similares a los descritos en estudios previos con variaciones en función del tiempo de seguimiento. Asimismo, se requieren nuevos estudios para evaluar los resultados a largo plazo y la posible progresión de los hallazgos radiográficos. Conclusión: En conjunto, estos datos ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de mejoría tanto de la técnica quirúrgica como del diseño de los implantes.

Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study is to assess the type, frequency and severity of complications after the implantation of the modular monopolar radial head prosthesis. Material and methods: Forty-seven patients with 48 radial head prostheses implanted between 2009 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were evaluated clinical and radiographically for a mean follow-up of 43.55 months (range: 12-89). Results: The same type of prosthesis was implanted in every patient (Ascension Modular Radial Head). The average score in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88.29 ± 9.9 points. During the follow-up, three patients (6.25%) suffered from continuous pain. Twelve cases (25.5%) showed radiological oversizing, though only five were symptomatic. Heterotopic ossification was detected in twenty-seven cases (57.4%). Eleven patients (23.4%) developed postoperative stiffness. Nineteen cases (40.42%) showed periprosthetic osteolysis, from which seven were symptomatic. Thirteen patients (27%) developed surgery-related complications: three cases of infection, four cases of symptomatic loosening, two neurapraxies, one instability and three cases of oversizing with associated stiffness. Nine patients (18.75%) required reintervention. Discussion: Our study obtains a 27% of overall complications, mostly related to oversizing and prosthetic loosening, and 19% of reinterventions. These results are similar to those presented in previous studies, with variations depending on the time of follow-up. Further research is also required to evaluate long-term results and the potential progression of the radiographic findings. Conclusion: Taken together, these data stress the need for improvement in both the surgical technique and the design of the implants.

The measurement of dorsal radial tilt by x-ray and computed tomography

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to define and measure the dorsal radial tilt, and to guide the reduction of distal radius fractures and the pre-bending of steel plates used in surgery. METHODS: The dorsal radial tilt was measured using both computed tomography (CT) and x-ray from both left and right side. The differences and correlations of the data measured by those two methods and from two sides were analyzed. RESULTS: The tilts measured by x-ray were significantly bigger than those measured by CT from the left side (t=55.51, p < 0.01) and from the right side (t=49.81, p < 0.01). The tilts measured by those two methods from the left and right sides were correlated (r=0.85, p < 0.01; r=0.81, p < 0.01). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side were not significantly different from those measured from the right side by CT (t=1.49, p > 0.05) and by x-ray (t=1.51, p > 0.05). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side by CT were significantly different from those measured from the right side by x-ray (t=43.07, p < 0.01), and these two sets of data were correlated (r=0.71, p < 0.01). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side by x-ray was significantly different from that measured from right side by CT (t=40.43, p < 0.01), and those two sets of data were also correlated (r=0.75, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The dorsal radial tilts measured from one side by one method can be used to estimate the tilts measured from the other side / the same side by the same method / the other method.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Realizamos este estudo para definir e medir a inclinação radial dorsal, e para orientar a redução das fraturas do raio distal e a pré-flexão das chapas de aço utilizadas na cirurgia. MÉTODOS: A inclinação radial dorsal foi medida usando tomografia computadorizada (TC) e raios X dos lados esquerdo e direito. As diferenças e correlações dos dados medidos por esses dois métodos e de dois lados foram analisadas. RESULTADOS: As inclinações medidas por raios X foram significativamente maiores que as medidas pela TC do lado esquerdo (t=55,51, p<0,01) e do lado direito (t=49,81, p<0,01). As inclinações medidas por esses dois métodos dos lados esquerdo e direito foram correlacionadas (r=0,85, p<0,01; r=0,81, p<0,01). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo não foram significativamente diferentes das medidas do lado direito por CT (t=1,49, p>0,05) e por raios X (t=1,51, p>0,05). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo por TC foram significativamente diferentes das medidas a partir do lado direito por raios X (t=43,07, p<0,01), e esses dois conjuntos de dados foram correlacionados (r=0,71, p<0,01). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo por raios X foram significativamente diferentes das medidas do lado direito por CT (t=40,43, p<0,01), e esses dois conjuntos de dados também foram correlacionados (r=0,75, p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas de um lado por um método podem ser usadas para estimar as inclinações medidas do outro lado/o mesmo lado pelo mesmo método/o outro método.

Fragmento dorso-ulnar en fracturas de radio distal: clasificación y manejo / Dorso-ulnar fragment in distal radius fractures: classification and treatment

INTRODUCCIÓN: El fragmento dorso-ulnar (FDU) en la fractura intraarticular de radio distal es de especial importancia puesto que implica una alteración en la articulación radio-carpiana así como también en la articulación radio-ulnar distal (RUD), donde la incongruencia articular permanente puede generar secuelas a largo plazo. OBJETIVO: Proponer una clasificación del FDU, definiendo cuándo realizar el procedimiento quirúrgico con asistencia artroscópica, basado en una serie consecutiva de casos operados de fractura del radio distal estudiados con tomografía computada (TC). MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de una serie de casos de pacientes operados por fractura del radio distal entre enero del 2015 y diciembre del 2016. En base a eso, se elabora una clasificación del FDU y se sugiere un esquema de manejo específico. Se describe el FDU como aquel fragmento específico ubicado en la esquina dorso-ulnar de la carilla articular del radio distal, con compromiso de más del 30% de la superficie articular RUD y más de 5mm desde el borde ulnar hacia radial de la cortical dorsal del radio observado en el corte axial de la TC preoperatoria. Se considera un fragmento mayor (FM) cuando el rasgo de fractura compromete hacia radial hasta el tubérculo de Lister y se considera fragmento menor (Fm) cuando el rasgo no alcanza a comprometer el tubérculo de Lister. Nuestra propuesta de clasificación reconoce 4 tipos: tipo I (FM sin desplazamiento, en fracturas tipo C de la AO); tipo II (FM con desplazamiento, en fracturas tipo C de la AO); tipo III (Fm independiente del desplazamiento, en fracturas tipo C de la AO) y tipo IV (FM/Fm con desplazamiento, en fracturas tipo B2 de la AO). Esquema de manejo: Tipo I síntesis con placa bloqueada por abordaje palmar, sin obligación de asistencia artroscópica. Tipo II síntesis con placa bloqueada por abordaje palmar, con asistencia artroscópica requerida. Tipo III síntesis percutánea dorsal contornillo canulado, bajo asistencia artroscópica. Tipo IV síntesis dorsal con placa o tornillo mediante abordaje dorsal bajo visión directa o con asistencia artroscópica, usando portales artroscópicos volares. RESULTADOS: Se operaron 488 fracturas de radio distal durante el período mencionado; 375 fracturas clasificadas como tipo C de la AO. Del total operadas, solo 392 fracturas contaban con TC peroperatoria, que permitía evaluar la presencia del FDU, el cual estuvo presente en 127/392 de los casos (32,4%). Analizados por grupo, 38 casos presentaban fragmentos tipo I, 22 tipo II, 69 tipo III y 7 tipo IV. DISCUSIÓN: El FDU se presentó en un 32,4% de los casos evaluables por TC en nuestra serie. El manejo dirigido de este fragmento con asistencia artroscópica permitió una reducción anatómica con fijación estable específica de éste. CONCLUSIÓN: Proponemos una nueva clasificación del FDU basada en la TC preoperatoria que permite realizar un adecuado plan prequirurgico y abordar este fragmento de manera específica sugiriendo cuando utilizar asistencia artroscópica.

INTRODUCTION: The dorsal-ulnar fragment (DUF) in the distal radius fracture is of special importance since it implies an alteration in the radio-carpal joint as well as in the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ), where permanent joint incongruence can generate long-term sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To propose a classification of the DUF, advising when to perform arthroscopic assistance, based on a consecutive series of operated cases of distal radius fracture studied with computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Descriptive study of a series of cases of patients operated of distal radius fracture between January 2015 and December 2016. We describe a classification of the DUF and suggest a specific treatment scheme. The DUF is described as that specific fragment located in the dorso-ulnar corner of the articular surface of the distal radius, which involves more than 30% of the articular surface of the DRUJ and more than 5mm of the ulnar edge of the dorsal cortex of the radius observed in the axial section of the preoperative CT. It is considered a major fragment (FM) when the fracture compromises the Lister tubercle and is considered a minor fragment (Fm) when it does not. Our classification recognizes 4 types of DUF: type I (FM without displacement, in type C fractures of the AO); Type II (FM with displacement, in type C fractures of the AO); Type III (Fm independent of displacement, in fractures type C of the AO) and type IV (FM/Fm with displacement, in fractures type B2 of the AO). Treatment scheme: Type I: synthesis with a palmar locked plate without arthroscopic assistance required. Type II: synthesis with palmar locked plate with arthroscopic assistance. Type III dorsal percutaneous synthesis with cannulated screw with arthroscopic assistance. Type IV dorsal synthesis with plate or screw by dorsal approach under direct vision or with arthroscopic assistance using volar portals. RESULTS: A total of 488 distal radius fractures were operated during this period. Only 392 fractures had preoperative CT, which allowed to evaluate the presence of the DUF. It was present in 127/392 of the cases (32.4%). Analyzed by group, 38 cases presented fragments type I, 22 cases type II, 69 cases type III and 7 cases type IV. DISCUSSION: The DUF was presented in 32.4% of the cases in our series. The management of this fragment with arthroscopic assistance allowed an anatomical reduction with specific stable fixation of this fragment. CONCLUSION: We propose a novel classification of the DUF based on preoperative CT that allows a specific management of this fragment and suggest when to use arthroscopic assistance.

Evaluación radiológica de muñeca para visualizar la superficie articular del radio / Wrist X ray for analysis of the articular surface of distal radius

Resumen: En la fractura del radio distal se requieren proyecciones radiológicas que permitan ver adecuadamente la superficie articular sin interposición de estructuras. El objetivo fue determinar si las proyecciones radiológicas laterales a 7 y 22o mejoran el análisis de esta superficie. Método: Serie de casos con radiografías de pacientes sanos y operados para identificar las facetas del semilunar y escafoides en las proyecciones lateral y anteroposterior, igualmente se evaluó con tornillos. Se analizaron cualitativamente los hallazgos obtenidos en las radiografías de 7 y 22o para la proyección lateral y de 11o en la anteroposterior. Resultados: 14 radiografías de voluntarios sanos, 10 pacientes con fractura de radio que recibieron osteosíntesis y dos piezas anatómicas. En los 14 sanos y los 10 pacientes se encontró que en las proyecciones a 7 y 22o pueden apreciarse mejor las carillas radio-semilunar y radio-escafoides respectivamente, observando imágenes con menor superposición de estructuras en la radiografía de 22o tanto en los sanos como en los pacientes con fracturas. Discusión: Las proyecciones radiológicas son importantes para poder determinar los resultados inmediatos de una osteosíntesis realizada en una fractura de radio distal. En este estudio se observa que la proyección lateral a 7o identifica mejor la posición de los tornillos ubicados en la carilla semilunar del radio. La proyección lateral a 22o muestra mejor la carilla con el escafoides. Por último en la proyección anteroposterior a 11o nos permite ver la articulación radiocarpiana con menor superposición de imágenes.

Abstract: In the distal radius fracture requires radiographic views that allow you to see the articular surface without interposition. The objective was to determine whether lateral radiographic projections 7 and 22o improve the analysis of this surface. Method: Case series study with radiographs of healthy and operated patients, in order to identify the lunate and scaphoid facets in lateral and anteroposterior projections. Qualitative analysis was made on the radiographs of the distal radius with wedges of 7 and 22o in the lateral views and 11o in the anteroposterior view. Results: There were evaluated 14 radiographs of the distal radius of healthy volunteers and 10 patients with distal radius fractures who recieved surgery with internal fixation, and also two anatomical models. In 14 healthy and 10 patients, it was found that the views at 7 and 22o can be better appreciated radio lunate and radio scaphoid surface respectively, observing images with less overlapping in the radiograph of 22o in both groups. Discussion: Radiographic views are important to determine the immediate results of fixation on a distal radius fracture. We observe that the lateral view at 7o is better to show the screws on the lunate facet of the radius. The lateral view at 22o is better to show the facet of the radius with the scaphoid. Finally, the anteroposterior projection at 11o allows us to see the radio carpal joint with lower image overlay.

Korean Type Distal Radius Anatomical Volar Plate System: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fracture is the most common fracture of the upper extremity, and approximately 60,000 distal radius fractures occur annually in Korea. Internal fixation with an anatomical volar locking plate is widely used in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. However, most of the currently used distal radius anatomical plate systems were designed based on the anatomical characteristics of Western populations. Recently, the Korean-type distal radius anatomical volar plate (K-DRAVP) system was designed and developed based on the anatomical characteristics of the distal radius of Koreans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of the new K-DRAVP system, and to compare its radiologic and functional results with those of the other systems. METHODS: From March 2012 to October 2012, 46 patients with acute distal radius fractures who were treated with the K-DRAVP system at three hospitals were enrolled in this study. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were obtained to assess fracture healing, and three radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length) were assessed to evaluate radiographic outcomes. The range of motion and grip strength, the Gartland and Werley scoring system, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire were used to assess clinical and functional outcomes. RESULTS: All radiologic parameters were restored to normal values, and maintained without any loosening or collapse until the time of final follow-up. Grip strength was restored to 84% of the value for the unaffected side. The mean range of motion of the wrist at final follow-up was restored to 77%-95% of the value for the unaffected side. According to the Gartland and Werley scoring system, there were 16 excellent, 26 good, and 4 fair results. The mean DASH score was 8.4 points. There were no complications after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed K-DRAVP system could be used to restore and maintain good anatomical parameters, and provide good clinical outcomes with low complication rates. This system is a promising surgical option for the treatment of distal radius fractures in the Korean population.

Examination of the Pronator Quadratus Muscle during Hardware Removal Procedures after Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle actually heals and provides a meaningful pronation force after volar plating for distal radius fractures (DRFs). We aimed to determine whether the length of the PQ muscle, which is dissected and then repaired during volar plating for a DRF, affects the forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We examined 41 patients who requested hardware removal after volar plating. We measured the isokinetic forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes including grip strength, wrist range of motion, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores at 6 months after fracture fixation. During the hardware removal surgery, which was performed at an average of 9 months (range, 8.3 to 11.5 months) after fracture fixation, we measured the PQ muscle length. RESULTS: The average PQ muscle length was 68% of the normal muscle length, and no significant relationship was found between the PQ muscle length and the outcomes including isokinetic forearm rotation strength, grip strength, wrist range of motion, and DASH scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the length of the healed PQ muscle does not affect isokinetic forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes after volar plating for DRFs. The results of this study support our current practice of loose repair of the PQ that is performed by most of the surgeons to prevent tendon irritation over the plate, and suggest that tight repair of the PQ is not necessary for achieving improved forearm function.

Evaluation of the Sigmoid Notch Involvement in the Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: The Efficacy of Computed Tomography Compared with Plain X-ray

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scans compared with plain radiographs on detecting the involvement of the sigmoid notch. METHODS: This study involved 121 cases diagnosed as the intra-articular distal radius fracture and performed post-reduction CT scans. We determined the presence of the sigmoid notch involvement with both plain radiographs and CT scans and compared findings of plain radiographs with CT scans about the incidence and the pattern of injuries. And the differences of results between arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosyntheses (AO) type C2 and C3 were compared. RESULTS: The incidences of sigmoid notch involvement detected in plain radiographs were 81 cases (66.9%), whereas CT scans were 99 cases (81.9%). The sensitivity of plain radiographs compared with CT scans was 74.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 37.5%, the false negative value was 25.3%, and the false positive value was 31.8%. In comparison between AO type C2 and C3, the incidence of sigmoid notch involvement was not a significant difference, but the displacement of fracture fragment showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The intra-articular distal radius fracture usually accompanies the sigmoid notch involvement. Considering that the evaluation of sigmoid notch involvement by plain radiography often results in misinterpretation or underestimation, performing CT scan in intra-articular distal radius fracture is thought to be beneficial.

Evaluation of the Sigmoid Notch Involvement in the Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: The Efficacy of Computed Tomography Compared with Plain X-ray

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scans compared with plain radiographs on detecting the involvement of the sigmoid notch. METHODS: This study involved 121 cases diagnosed as the intra-articular distal radius fracture and performed post-reduction CT scans. We determined the presence of the sigmoid notch involvement with both plain radiographs and CT scans and compared findings of plain radiographs with CT scans about the incidence and the pattern of injuries. And the differences of results between arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosyntheses (AO) type C2 and C3 were compared. RESULTS: The incidences of sigmoid notch involvement detected in plain radiographs were 81 cases (66.9%), whereas CT scans were 99 cases (81.9%). The sensitivity of plain radiographs compared with CT scans was 74.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 37.5%, the false negative value was 25.3%, and the false positive value was 31.8%. In comparison between AO type C2 and C3, the incidence of sigmoid notch involvement was not a significant difference, but the displacement of fracture fragment showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The intra-articular distal radius fracture usually accompanies the sigmoid notch involvement. Considering that the evaluation of sigmoid notch involvement by plain radiography often results in misinterpretation or underestimation, performing CT scan in intra-articular distal radius fracture is thought to be beneficial.

[Role of pinna cartilage autograft on long bone healing in dog: radiographic and biomechanical studies]

To evaluate the feasibility of pinna cartilage autograft in healing of long bone defects in dogs. Experimental study. Mid-diaphyseal region of the right radial bone of ten Mongrel dogs of both sexes with average weight of 29 +/- 2.4 kg, which were randomly assigned to either control [n=5] or experimental group [n=5]. Creation of a bone gap at the mid-diaphyseal region of the right radius in each dog followed by cosmetic ear trimming. Insetion of a piece of pinna cartilage within the bone defect in experimental group was done and postoperative lameness scored. Radiographic evaluation in two views every 2 weeks for 70 days was performed. The dogs were euthanized after 70 days and their operated and intact radial bones were subjected to bending test. Repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-test were done for callus index measurements. Results of lameness scores were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test. Lameness scores were statistically improved in experimental group by the time, as compared with control group. Callus index was statistically greater in experimental group at 28, 42,56 and 70 days after surgery than the previous days. [P<0.05]. Biomechanical quality [maximum load, elastic modulus, and maximum bending moment] enhanced in the operated bones of experimental group. The results of this study revealed that pinna cartilage in dogs may be used as an available chondrocyte-rich autograft to enhance bone healing process in fractures at risk to enhance bone healing process in fractures at risk of delayed or non-union treatment of both conditions, and in bone defects

Results of autogenous trephine biopsy needle bone grafting in fractures of radius and ulna.

Cortico-Cancellous bone graft harvested from the anterior iliac crest by the conventional open method is associated with more morbidity and is more time consuming as compared to the percutaneous method using trephine biopsy needle. The aim of the study was to determine whether cancellous bone graft harvested from anterior iliac crest using trephine biopsy needle consistently achieved bone union in comminuted fractures and fractures of more than 3 weeks duration of radius and ulna and also to determine the morbidity at the donor site. Autogenous cancellous bone graft was harvested percutaneously from 28 iliac crests in 16 patients and applied at fracture sites of 30 forearm bones using a 4mm trephine biopsy needle after the fractures had been fixed with plate and screws. The patients were followed up regularly upto 6 to 9 months post - operatively in the OPD to determine the union status of the fractured bones and the morbidity at the donor site. 29 of the 30 fractures of the forearm bones united without any problems. The shaft of a trephine got bent during the harvesting procedure at the beginning of the study due to improper technique. Cancellous bone graft harvested from the anterior iliac crest results in predictable good union results in comminuted fractures of forearm bones and also fractures presenting after 3 weeks of injury. It is also an easier and quicker way of harvesting bone graft and is associated with lesser morbidity and earlier recovery as compared to conventional open method.

Role of dynamic external fixator in the management of fractures of distal end of radius.

The intra-articular fracture of radius has been an enigma for orthopaedic surgeons since time immemorial. It is a dilemma as to when to use the fixator, when to mobilise after fixator or simply treat it by conservative means. Numerous fixators are in vogue depending on the preference of the surgeon--in the present prospective study the results of dynamic external fixator--which, based on the principle of ligamentotaxis, were evaluated over a 3-year period and the results showed that although excellent radiological results were seen in 90% of the cases yet only 75% of the cases had a excellent functional result.