Improving standard volar plate fixation in 3D-guided corrective osteotomy of the distal radius: evaluation of a shim instrument.

Standard volar plates often do not fit the surface of the malunited distal radius after osteotomy, necessitating an offset angle for accurate volar tilt correction. The correction can be achieved if the plate is held at the correct angle when the distal screws are locked. With the advantage of 3D surgical planning and patient-specific instruments, we developed a shim instrument to assist the surgeon in securing the plate at the intended angle when locking the distal screws, and evaluated radiological results. Five female patients aged 63-74 with dorsally angulated extra-articular malunions underwent surgery using 3D-printed guides and the shim instrument. The plate position, drilling guide alignment, screw placements, and distal radius correction on postoperative CTs were compared with the surgical plans. Errors were measured using an anatomical coordinate system, and standard 2D radiographic measures were extracted. Preoperative dorsal tilt ranged from 16° to 35°, and postoperative volar tilt from 1° to 11°. 3D analysis revealed mean absolute correction errors of 6.1° in volar tilt, 1.6° in radial inclination, and 0.6 mm in ulnar variance. The volar tilt error due to the shim instrument, indicated by the mean angle error of the distal screws to the plate, was 2.1° but varied across the five patients. Settling of the distal radius, due to tension during and after reduction, further contributed to a mean loss of 3.5° in volar tilt. The shim instrument helped with securing plates at the intended angle; however, further correction improvements should consider the tension between the fragments of osteoporotic bone.

Metaizeau Technique for Treatment of Paediatric Isolated Radial Neck Fracture - Clinical and Radiological Outcomes - Case Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Radial neck fractures account for 5-17% of elbow fractures and about 1% of all fractures in children. The subject of the presented research is assesment of clinical and radiological outcomes of the Metaizeau technique for treatment of isolated radial neck fractures in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data of patients treated with the Metaizeau technique in our Department between 2015 and 2020. Twenty children with isolated radial neck fracture met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Excellent outcomes of operative treatment were achieved in 95% of children. None of the complications described in the literature (e.g. avascular necrosis of radial head (AVN), malunion, nonunion) were observed in our case series. CONLCUSIONS: 1. The Metaizeau technique for reduction and stabilisation of the radial neck fracture using a TEN is a safe and effective method in the paediatric population and produces good clinical and radiological results. 2.Furthermore, the minimal demands it places on surgical equipment make it possible for this technique to be recommended to orthopaedic surgeons managing paediatric trauma patients.

Establishment and preliminary evaluation of CT-based classification for distal radius fracture.

Establish a new classification system of distal radius fracture based on computed tomographic (CT), and evaluate its reliability and reproducibility preliminarily, and provide a new theoretical reference for clinicians to use the clinical classification system. The imaging data and clinical data of 204 inpatients with distal radius fracture during 6 years from January 1, 2014 to January 1, 2019 in orthopaedic department were analyzed retrospectively and classified based on CT. Three observers evaluated the image data of 48 randomly selected cases based on CT at different time nodes of T1 and T2. Cohen's kappa was used to calculate the consistency. At the last follow-up, patients' Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and VAS scores were collected. Among 204 cases, there were 12 cases of type 1, including 6 cases of type 1-D, 4 cases of type 1-V and 2 cases of type 1-R. There were 6 cases of type 2, including 2 cases of type 2-DV, 2 cases of type 2-DR and 2 cases of type 2-VR. There were 186 cases of type 3, including 32 cases of type 3-0, 127 cases of type 3-1 and 27 cases of type 3-2. There was no significant difference in DASH, PRWE and VAS scores among all types (P > 0.05). The results of interobserver reproducibility were kappa = 0.985, ICC = 0.984 in the first evaluation, kappa = 0.986, ICC = 0.986 in the second evaluation. The results of intraobserver reproducibility were O1 = 0.991, O2 = 0.991, O3 = 0.989 respectively. The new classification system of distal radius fracture based on CT has theoretical and practical significance for incision selection, fracture reduction and internal fixation. 123 classification system is clear, comprehensive, easy to understand and remember. Moreover, it has higher interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility than other systems reported at present.

Digital smart internal fixation surgery for coronal process basal fracture with normal joint spaces or radius-shortening: Occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing.

BACKGROUND: Reasonable postoperative humeroradial and humeroulnar joint spaces maybe an important indicator in biomechanical stability of smart internal fixation surgery for coronoid process basal fractures (CPBF). The aim of this study is to compare elbow articular stresses and elbow-forearm stability under smart internal fixations for the CPBF between normal elbow joint spaces and radius-shortening, and to determine the occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing. METHODS: CT images of 70 volunteers with intact elbow joints were retrospectively collected for accurate three-dimensional reconstruction to measure the longitudinal and transverse joint spaces. Two groups of ten finite element (FE) models were established prospectively between normal joint space and radius-shortening with 2.0 mm, including intact elbow joint and forearm, elbow-forearm with CPBF trauma, anterior or posterior double screws-cancellous bone fixation, mini-plate-cancellous bone fixation. Three sets of physiological loads (compression, valgus, varus) were used for FE intelligent calculation, FE model verification, and biomechanical and motion analysis. RESULTS: The stress distribution between coronoid process and radial head, compression displacements and valgus angles of elbow-forearm in the three smart fixation models of the normal joint spaces were close to those of corresponding intact elbow model, but were significantly different from those of preoperative CPBF models and fixed radius-shortening models. The maximum stresses of three smart fixation instrument models of normal joint spaces were significantly smaller than those of the corresponding fixed radius-shortening models. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the existing trauma of the elbow-forearm system in clinical practice, which is a dominant factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing, the elbow joint longitudinal space has been found to be the occult factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing. The stability and load sharing of radius and ulna after three kinds of smart fixations of the CPBF is not only related to the anatomical and biomechanical stability principles of smart internal fixations, but also closely related to postoperative elbow joint longitudinal space.

Ulnar carpal translation following palmar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant injuries to the radiocarpal ligaments may occur during episodes of distal radius fractures, which may not cause acute subluxation or dislocation but can lead to radiocarpal instability and progress over time. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of ulnar carpal translation (UCT) after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures and evaluate the associated factors of UCT. METHODS: The retrospective study has been done now and includes patients treated between 2010 and 2020 who had undergone reduction and locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. We assessed radiographs taken immediately after the operation and at 3 months post-operation, enrolling patients with UCT for evaluation. In addition to demographic data, we evaluated radiographic parameters, including fracture pattern, fragment involvement, and ulnar variance. We also assessed the palmar tilt-lunate (PTL) angle to determine associated rotatory palmar subluxation of the lunate (RPSL). RESULTS: Among the 1,086 wrists, 53 (4.9%) had UCT within 3 months post-operation. The majority of wrists with UCT exhibited normal to minus ulnar variance (49 wrists; mean: -1.1 mm), and 24 patients (45.3%) had concomitant RPSL. Fracture classification was as follows: 19 type A3 (35.8%), 5 type C1 (9.4%), 11 type C2 (20.8%), and 18 type C3 (34.0%). Radial styloid was involved in 20 wrists (37.7%), palmar rim in 18 wrists (34.0%), dorsal rim in 25 wrists (47.2%), and die-punch fractures in 3 wrists (5.7%). Concomitant ulnar styloid fractures were present in 29 wrists (54.7%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential for UCT to occur following reduction and fixation of distal radius fractures, particularly in cases with a more severe fracture pattern and combined with ulnar minus variance. The high incidence of concomitant RPSL provides further evidence for the possibility of associated radiocarpal ligament insufficiency after distal radius fracture.

Diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 in distal radius fracture detection through wrist radiographs.

Distal radius fractures rank among the most prevalent fractures in humans, necessitating accurate radiological imaging and interpretation for optimal diagnosis and treatment. In addition to human radiologists, artificial intelligence systems are increasingly employed for radiological assessments. Since 2023, ChatGPT 4 has offered image analysis capabilities, which can also be used for the analysis of wrist radiographs. This study evaluates the diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 in identifying distal radius fractures, comparing it with a board-certified radiologist, a hand surgery resident, a medical student, and the well-established AI Gleamer BoneView™. Results demonstrate ChatGPT 4's good diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 0.88, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.93), surpassing the medical student (sensitivity 0.98, specificity 0.72, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.85; p = 0.04) significantly. Nevertheless, the diagnostic power of ChatGPT 4 lags behind the hand surgery resident (sensitivity 0.99, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.985; p = 0.014) and Gleamer BoneView™(sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.98, diagnostic power (AUC) 0.99; p = 0.006). This study highlights the utility and potential applications of artificial intelligence in modern medicine, emphasizing ChatGPT 4 as a valuable tool for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in the field of medical imaging.

Volar fixed plating of distal radius fractures: optimizing plate position for enhanced clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The precise influence of plate position on clinical outcomes in the context of volar fixed-angle plating for distal radius fractures is not fully understood. This article aims to investigate the influence of plate position on clinical results, and functional outcomes in patients treated with volar fixed plating for distal radius fractures. METHODS: A total of 58 patients with 64 distal radius fractures were included in the study. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical details, and radiographic data were collected. Post-operative AP and Lat views of all patients taken on the first day after surgery were evaluated. Volar Tilt, Radial Inclination and Radial Height measurements were used as reduction criteria. In the follow-up, the patients were called for their last control, flexion and extension angles of the wrist and Mayo Wrist Scores, the distance of the plate to the joint line and the angle between the plate and the radial shaft were measured and recorded. RESULTS: A total of 64 distal radius fractures, with a mean age of 46.9 years, and the mean follow-up period 24.9 months were included in this study. There was a significant relationship between the Radial Inclination and Plate-Shaft Angle variables and the Mayo Wrist Score at a 99% confidence interval. Additionally, a relationship was observed between the Radial Height variable and the Mayo Score at a 90% confidence interval. A significant positive association was observed between radial inclination and achieving a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.08-1.51], p = 0.004). Plate distance to joint line demonstrated a marginally significant positive association with a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [0.97-1.77], p = 0.077). Univariate analysis revealed a significant negative association between plate-shaft angle and achieving a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.52-0.99], p = 0.045). This negative association remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Radial inclination, plate distance to joint line, and angle between plate and radius shaft were identified as significant factors associated with improved Mayo Wrist Scores.

Radial head replacement with the 3D-printed patient-specific titanium prosthesis: Preliminary results of a multi-centric prospective study.

PURPOSE: To report preliminary clinical results and safety of 3D-printed patient-specific titanium radial head (RH) prosthesis in treatment of the irreparable RH fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multi-centric prospective study included 10 patients (6 men and four women, mean age 41 years (range, 25-64 years)). Three cases were classified as Mason type III and 7 cases as type IV. Patients were assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks postoperatively. Range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS) score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), radiology imaging, and laboratory blood and urine testing were evaluated. RESULTS: The prostheses were implanted utilizing cemented stems in 5 patients and cementless stems in 5 patients. Intraoperatively, well congruency of a prosthesis with capitellum and radial notch of ulna was observed in all cases. All patients had improvement of ROM, VAS score, DASH score, and MEPS during the postoperative follow-ups. At the final follow-up, mean elbow extension was 6.5° (range, 0°-30°), flexion 145° (range, 125°-150°), supination 79° (range, 70°-80°), and pronation 73.5° (range, 45°-80°). Mean VAS score was 0.3 (range, 0-3), DASH score was 12.35 (range, 1.7-23.3), and MEPS was 99.5 (range, 95-100). Postoperative radiographs demonstrated heterotopic ossification in 2 cases, periprosthetic radiolucency in 2 cases, and proximal radial neck resorption in 2 cases. No one had the evidence of capitellar erosion, implant failure, malpositioning, overstuffing, or symptomatic stem loosening. There was no significant alteration of laboratory results or adverse events related to the 3D-printed prosthesis implantation. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results demonstrated that implantation of the 3D-printed patient-specific titanium RH prosthesis is safe and may be a potential treatment option for irreparable RH fracture.

Relation between the dash score and radiographic evaluation of the wrist in patients with wrist fracture.

Traditionally, the assessment of distal radius fracture outcomes has been based on radiological measurements and self-evaluation scores. However, there is uncertainty regarding how accurately these measurements reflect the patient's perception of their outcome. In this study, we examined the correlation between radiological measurements and patient-perceived outcomes using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome (DASH) score. 140 individuals who had recovered from a distal radius fracture. and had been treated with DVR, Kapandji, percutaneous pinning or closed reduction were included in the study. The retrospective assessment included 78 females and 62 males, with a mean DASH score of 3.54 points.Except for the ulnar variance, the study found little to no significant association between the DASH score and the final radiological measurement.In summary, the DASH score did not always indicate that a superior radiological result translated into a better patient-perceived outcome.

Measurement of Radiological Parameters of Distal Radius Fracture Using the Ulnar Axis Compared with the Radial Axis.

Background: The long axis of the radius is a standard reference for measuring radiological parameters in distal radius fractures. However, in patients with severe comminution and anatomical variation with distal radius bowing, it is challenging to assess using the long axis of the radius. The long axis of the ulna can be used as an alternative reference. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability and level of agreement using the long axis of the ulna as an alternative reference in comparison to the long axis of the radius. Methods: Posteroanterior (PA) radiography of the wrist in patients with acute distal radius fractures was evaluated in two rounds by four observers. Radial height, radial inclination and ulnar variance were measured using radial and ulnar long axis as references. The intraobserver and interobserver reliability of the measurements with two reference axes was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The level of agreement was determined using the Bland-Altman plot. Results: In total, 59 patients who underwent PA radiography of the wrist were included in this study. All parameters exhibited good agreement between the two methods, with a mean difference of nearly zero (radial height = -0.03 mm, radial inclination = -0.14° and ulnar variance = 0.03 mm). The limits of agreement in radial height (-2.87, 2.82 mm) and ulnar variance (-0.81, 0.87 mm) were narrow. However, for the radial inclination, it was wider (-6.21, 5.94°). Intraobserver reliability between the long axis of radius and ulna (ICC = 0.85-0.99 and 0.84-0.98, respectively) was good to excellent. The interobserver reliability of each parameter was excellent (ICC = 0.94-0.97). Conclusions: The ulnar long axis can be used as an alternative reference for measuring radial height, radial inclination and ulnar variance in PA radiography of the wrist in acute distal radius fracture, particularly if the radial long axis is distorted. Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic).

The Effect of Age and Sex on Early Postoperative Outcomes after Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: We aim to evaluate the impact of advanced age and sex on postoperative complications and radiographic outcomes after open reduction with internal fixation of distal radius fractures (DRF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review, including all patients who underwent open reduction with internal fixation of a DRF between 2012 and 2018 at a single level 1 trauma centre. We recorded patient age, sex, fracture classification (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA]), time from injury to surgical date, surgical duration, diabetes status, tobacco use, illicit drug use, history of osteoporosis, use of adjuvants, fixation type, postoperative radiographic restoration of normal parameters and early complications including loss of reduction within 30 days postoperatively. Advanced age was defined as age greater than 60 years. Results: A total of 521 patients underwent operative treatment - 264 males and 257 females. Males were twice as likely (23.5% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.0001) to sustain a type C3 fracture and be treated with a wrist spanning plate (5.3% vs. 0; p < 0.0001). A larger percentage of elderly patients undergoing operative treatment of DRF were female (20.2% vs. 5.7%; p < 0.0001) and females were more likely to carry a pre-injury diagnosis of osteoporosis (9.3% vs. 0%; p < 0.0001). And 100% of the elderly patients received were treated with a volar plate. The overall early loss of reduction was 7.5%. The overall complication rate was 8.2%. No differences in early postoperative complications were identified between sexes or age groups. Neither female sex nor advanced age was found to have increased risk of postoperative complications or early loss of reduction. Similar postoperative radiographic parameter measurements were obtained across groups as well. Conclusions: Our results support the idea that operative treatment of unstable DRF in elderly patients and women is a reasonable treatment option without significant increases in early postoperative complications. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic III).

Stable elastic nail application with poller K-wire for Irreducible distal radius metaphyseal-diaphyseal Junction fractures in preadolescents: a new operative technique.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of irreducible distal radius diaphyseal- metaphyseal junction fractures involves difficulties as the fracture remains too proximal for K-wire fixation and too distal for the elastic stable intramedullary nail. Our study aims to present the clinical results of applying an elastic stable intramedullary nail with a poller K-wire to achieve both reduction and stable fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients who underwent ESIN with a poller K-wire for distal radius diaphyseal-metaphyseal region fracture. Reduction parameters such as residual angulation and alignment were evaluated on postoperative follow-up radiographs. Changes in angular and alignment parameters on follow-up radiographs were recorded. Wrist and forearm functions were evaluated at the last follow-up. RESULT: There were 17 male and nine female patients with an average age of 10.9. The residual angulation in coronal and sagittal planes on immediate postoperative radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.62° and 3.0 ± 1.26°, respectively. The mean translation rate on immediate postoperative radiographs was 6.0 ± 1.98% and 5.0 ± 2.02% in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. No change was observed in translation rates in the last follow-ups. The mean angulation in the coronal and sagittal planes measured on 6th-week radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.72°and 3.0 ± 1.16°, respectively. No significant difference was observed in angular changes in the sagittal and coronal planes at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). No tendon injury or neurovascular injury was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: In the surgical treatment of pediatric DRDMJ fractures, applying ESIN with poller K-wire is an effective, safe, and novel method for achieving reduction and stable fixation.

Ultrasound Secondary Signs for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures: A Diagnostic Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound secondary signs of fractures in pediatric patients aged 5-15 y presenting to the emergency department with a clinically non-deformed distal forearm injury. METHODS: This diagnostic study was conducted in South East Queensland, Australia. Emergency clinicians performed point-of-care ultrasound on eligible patients and recorded secondary signs of fractures (pronator quadratus hematoma [PQH] sign, periosteal hematoma, visible angulation) or physeal fractures (fracture-to-physis distance [FPD], physis alteration). The reference standard was the final fracture diagnosis determined by expert panel. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of secondary signs for cortical breach and physeal fractures. Diagnostic statistics were reported for each relevant secondary sign. RESULTS: A total of 135 participants were enrolled. The expert panel diagnosed 48 "no" fracture, 52 "buckle" fracture and 35 "other" fracture. All "other" fractures were cortical breach fractures and included 15 Salter-Harris II fractures. The PQH sign demonstrated high sensitivity and moderate specificity to diagnose cortical breach fractures (91%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 78%-97% and 82%, 73%-88%). Poor sensitivity but high specificity was observed for the visible angulation and periosteal hematoma secondary signs. FPD <1cm showed perfect sensitivity and moderate specificity (100%, 80%-100% and 85%, 78%-90%) for diagnosis of Salter-Harris II fracture. Conversely, physis alteration showed poor sensitivity but excellent specificity (40%, 20%-64% and 99%, 95%-100%) for the diagnosis of Salter-Harris II fractures. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound secondary signs showed good diagnostic accuracy for both cortical breach fractures and Salter-Harris II fractures. Future research should consider optimal use of secondary signs to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Small volar fragment in the lunate fossa leads to volar tilt loss after volar plate fixation for AO/OTA type-C distal radius fracture.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between volar fragment size and postoperative volar tilt loss in complete articular distal radius fracture is not well known. In this study, we measured precise radiological parameters to help identify other factors that might contribute to volar tilt loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the radiological examinations and charts of 256 patients with distal radial fracture who underwent volar locking plate fixation between March 2014 and July 2022. Radiological parameters were measured based on preoperative CT and immediate postoperative radiographs. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify relevant factors associated with volar tilt loss following volar locking plate fixation. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the cutoff value of the independent parameters. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, 2 radiologic parameters on preoperative CT (volar fragment length at the lunate fossa, and teardrop angle) and 4 on immediate postoperative X-ray (radial inclination, radial length, capitate shift, and volar tilt) were significantly associated with postoperative volar tilt loss. On multivariate linear regression analysis, the risk of volar tilt loss increased as the capitate moved toward the back of the radial shaft. The cut-off for anteroposterior length in the lunate fossa was 6.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: AO/OTA type-C distal radius fractures with <6.5 mm anteroposterior length in the lunate fossa had significantly higher rates of malunion with dorsal deformity. In addition, preoperative teardrop angle <37.2 ° and immediate postoperative volar tilt <3.7º are also predictors of postoperative volar tilt loss.

Diagnostic Performance of Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Scaphoid and Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To review the existing literature to (1) determine the diagnostic efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) models for detecting scaphoid and distal radius fractures and (2) compare the efficacy to human clinical experts. METHODS: PubMed, OVID/Medline, and Cochrane libraries were queried for studies investigating the development, validation, and analysis of AI for the detection of scaphoid or distal radius fractures. Data regarding study design, AI model development and architecture, prediction accuracy/area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC), and imaging modalities were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were identified, of which 12 (57.1%) used AI to detect fractures of the distal radius, and nine (42.9%) used AI to detect fractures of the scaphoid. AI models demonstrated good diagnostic performance on average, with AUROC values ranging from 0.77 to 0.96 for scaphoid fractures and from 0.90 to 0.99 for distal radius fractures. Accuracy of AI models ranged between 72.0% to 90.3% and 89.0% to 98.0% for scaphoid and distal radius fractures, respectively. When compared to clinical experts, 13 of 14 (92.9%) studies reported that AI models demonstrated comparable or better performance. The type of fracture influenced model performance, with worse overall performance on occult scaphoid fractures; however, models trained specifically on occult fractures demonstrated substantially improved performance when compared to humans. CONCLUSIONS: AI models demonstrated excellent performance for detecting scaphoid and distal radius fractures, with the majority demonstrating comparable or better performance compared with human experts. Worse performance was demonstrated on occult fractures. However, when trained specifically on difficult fracture patterns, AI models demonstrated improved performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AI models can help detect commonly missed occult fractures while enhancing workflow efficiency for distal radius and scaphoid fracture diagnoses. As performance varies based on fracture type, future studies focused on wrist fracture detection should clearly define whether the goal is to (1) identify difficult-to-detect fractures or (2) improve workflow efficiency by assisting in routine tasks.

A meta-analysis on the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in pediatric distal forearm fractures.

Pediatric distal forearm fractures, comprising 30% of musculoskeletal injuries in children, are conventionally diagnosed using radiography. Ultrasound has emerged as a safer diagnostic tool, eliminating ionizing radiation, enabling bedside examinations with real-time imaging, and proving effective in non-hospital settings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for detecting distal forearm fractures in the pediatric population. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until October 1, 2023, following established guidelines. Eligible studies, reporting diagnostic accuracy measures of ultrasound in pediatric patients with distal forearm fractures, were included. Relevant data elements were extracted, and data analysis was performed. The analysis included 14 studies with 1377 patients, revealing pooled sensitivity and specificity of 94.5 (95% CI 92.7-95.9) and 93.5 (95% CI 89.6-96.0), respectively. Considering pre-test probabilities of 25%, 50%, and 75% for pediatric distal forearm fractures, positive post-test probabilities were 83%, 44%, and 98%, while negative post-test probabilities were 2%, 6%, and 15%, respectively. The bivariate model indicated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy in the subgroup with trained ultrasound performers vs. untrained performers (p = 0.03). Furthermore, diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the subgroup examining radius fractures vs. ulna fractures (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed between 4-view and 6-view ultrasound subgroups or between radiologist ultrasound interpreters and non-radiologist interpreters. This study highlighted ultrasound's reliability in detecting pediatric distal forearm fractures, emphasizing the crucial role of expertise in precisely confirming fractures through ultrasound examinations.

Does simultaneous comminuted fracture of both radial ends represent a distinct fracture pattern?

BACKGROUND: Although isolated distal radius and radial head fractures are common injuries, simultaneous ipsilateral fractures are uncommon. They can range from simple undisplaced fractures at either end to severely comminuted ipsilateral proximal and distal radial fractures. Few cases have been reported with concomitant comminuted distal radius and radial head fractures, and no treatment guidelines are available. Decisions are often based on personal recommendations. The purpose of our study is to increase awareness of this injury pattern and to discuss the mechanism of injury, treatment approach, and functional outcome. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients with comminuted simultaneous ipsilateral fractures of the distal and proximal radius from 2016 to 2021 were identified and studied retrospectively. Demographic information, mechanism of injury, treatment approach, and complication rate were analyzed. Radiographic assessment for inadequacy or loss of reduction and radiographic parameters of the distal radius, including radial inclination, radial length, and palmar inclination, was performed immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Clinical outcomes were determined by calculating the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, measuring the range of motion in both joints, and using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at the final follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients met the inclusion criteria. All had ipsilateral Mason III radial head fractures and type C (according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification) intra-articular distal radius fracture. On-table radial head reconstruction and fixation with a proximal radius plate were used for radial head fractures, and osteosynthesis with an anatomic volar locking plate was used for distal radius fractures. The mean follow-up duration was 32 months (range 12-65 months). At the final follow-up, osseous union of both the radial head and distal radius was observed in all patients. The mean VAS score was 1.5 (range 0-7) at rest and 3.9 (range 0-9) with activities, while the mean QuickDASH score was 32 (range 12-65). No significant complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous comminuted fractures of the ipsilateral distal radius and radial head represent a distinct injury pattern, most likely resulting from high-energy trauma, such as falling from a height onto an outstretched hand. Greater emphasis should be placed on clinical examination and radiological imaging of the elbow in cases of wrist injuries and vice versa. Treatment involving on-table reconstruction of the radial head and open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate can lead to good radiological and functional outcomes.

Surgical treatment of distal radius fractures: impact on forearm rotation in non-elderly patients.

Forearm rotation restriction (FRR) is common after surgery for distal radius fractures (DRFs). The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of DRFs on forearm rotation. This retrospective study reviewed patients with DRFs who underwent surgical treatment from January 2019 to December 2021. The patients' basic data and radiographic parameters were analyzed. Forearm rotation, including pronation and supination, was assessed using a standard goniometer. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score was evaluated, and the incidence of FRR at the 6-month follow-up was recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors correlated with FRR. A total of 127 patients with DRFs were included in this study. After surgery, 46 cases were considered to have FRR, with a rate of 36.2%, while the remaining 81 cases (63.8%) did not have FRR. The PRWE scores were 22.8 ± 5.2 and 17.9 ± 4.2 in the FRR group and non-FRR group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the involvement of the sigmoid notch (OR, 2.88; 95% CI 1.49-5.56), post-operative volar tilt < 0° (OR, 2.16; 95% CI 1.34-3.50), and post-operative ulnar variance > 0 mm (OR, 1.37; 95% CI 1.06-1.78) were independently associated with the incidence of FRR. The FRR is associated with an increased PRWE score and may have had some impact on the patient's daily life. Fractures involving the sigmoid notch, dorsal angulation, and radial shortening deformity were found to be correlated with the incidence of FRR. Preoperative risk notification and intraoperative preventive measures are necessary for these patients.

Editorial Commentary: Supplemental Wrist Arthroscopy May Not Be the Key to Improving Outcomes in Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

For decades, the surgical treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures has relied on indirect reduction. The goal is to mitigate the articular stepoff that has been associated with radiographic progression of arthritic changes. Continued advances in wrist arthroscopy give us the opportunity for direct visualization of these reductions, direct assessment of intra-articular screws, and diagnosis and treatment of concomitant soft tissue pathology, including those to the scapholunate interosseous ligament, lunotriquetral interosseous ligament, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Despite this, however, supplemental wrist arthroscopy does not appear to improve outcomes at 1 year in patients with distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates.