RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the current classifications for fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, since the classifications made using traditional radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral views have been questioned regarding their reproducibility. In the literature, it has been suggested that other options are needed, such as use of preoperative radiographs on fractures of the distal radius subjected to traction, with stratification by the evaluators. The aim was to demonstrate which classification systems present better statistical reliability. RESULTS: In the Universal classification, the results from the third-year resident group (R3) and from the group of more experienced evaluators (Staff) presented excellent correlation, with a statistically significant p-value (p < 0.05). Neither of the groups presented a statistically significant result through the Frykman classification. In the AO classification, there were high correlations in the R3 and Staff groups (respectively 0.950 and 0.800), with p-values lower than 0.05 (respectively <0.001 and 0.003). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that radiographs performed under traction showed good concordance in the Staff group and in the R3 group, and that this is a good tactic for radiographic evaluations of fractures of the distal extremity of the radius.
OBJETIVO: Avaliar as classificações atuais da fratura da extremidade distal do rádio, pois as classificações feitas em radiografias tradicionais nas incidências anteroposterior e perfil têm sido questionadas quanto a sua reprodutibilidade e é sugerida pela literatura a necessidade de outras opções, com o uso das radiografias pré-operatórias submetidas a tração de fraturas de rádio distal, estratificados pelos avaliadores, com vistas a demonstrar quais classificações apresentam melhor confiabilidade estatística. RESULTADOS: Na classificação Universal os resultados dos grupos de R3 e Staff apresentaram uma ótima correlação, com um p-valor estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,05). Quando avaliada a classificação de Frykman, nenhum grupo apresentou um resultado estatisticamente significativo. Na classificação AO, nos grupos R3 e Staff, a correlação foi alta (respectivamente 0,950 e 0,800) com um p-valor abaixo de 0,05 (respectivamente < 0,001 e 0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A tração para feitura das radiografias se mostrou com uma boa concordância principalmente nos grupos avaliadores de maior experiência (Staff) e no residente de 3 o ano e é uma boa tática na avaliação radiográfica da fratura da extremidade distal do rádio.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional results from using a fixed-angle locked volar plate for treating fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, using the DASH (disorders of the arm, shoulder and hand) questionnaire and its radiographic correlation with the Lidström classification. METHODS: Thirty patients with unstable fractures of the distal extremity of the radius were evaluated after they had undergone a surgical procedure consisting of open reduction and internal fixation using a fixed-angle locked volar plate, at the Military Police Central Hospital of Rio de Janeiro between 2008 and 2009. The results were assessed based on range of motion, DASH protocol scores and radiographies with the Lidström classification. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in the study was 51 years. The mean DASH score was 11.9 points. It was observed that the radiographic findings did not influence the DASH score. It was found that flexion, pronation, supination and radial deviation correlated with the DASH score. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that subjective functional outcomes using the DASH protocol, obtained from using a locked volar plate to treat fractures of the distal extremity of the radius, are influenced by the range of motion, and especially by the flexion, supination, pronation and radial deviation of the wrist after surgery. There is no correlation between the radiological parameters of either the normal or the operated radius, and the subjective functional outcomes assessed using the DASH protocol.
