Radiographic Outcomes for Comminuted, Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Primary Distraction Bridge Plate Fixation.

Purpose: To determine if distraction bridge plate (DBP) fixation as the primary method of stabilization can effectively correct and maintain acceptable radiographic parameters in the treatment of comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures while allowing early load-bearing. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all consecutive intra-articular distal radius fractures that underwent DBP fixation with or without supplemental fixation methods (fragment-specific implants or K-wires). Patients treated with a volar locked plate in addition to DBP were excluded. Radiographic outcomes measures included volar tilt (°), radial height (mm), radial inclination (°), articular step-off (mm), lunate-lunate facet ratio (LLFR), and teardrop angle (°) measured on post-reduction, immediately post-operative, prior to and after DBP removal. Results: Twenty-three comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures were treated with primary DBP fixation. Supplemental fixation was utilized in 10 fractures and included fragment-specific implants (n = 6) and/or K-wires (n = 5). Distraction bridge plates were removed after a mean of 13.6 weeks. At a mean radiographic follow-up of 11.4 weeks (range: 2-45 weeks) following DBP removal, all fractures had united with a mean volar tilt of 6.3° ± 5.8°, radial height of 11.3 ± 2.3 mm, radial inclination of 20.2° ± 4.5°, articular step-off of 0.6 mm ± 0.8, and LLFR of 1.05 ± 0.06. However, the teardrop angle could not be restored to a normal value with DBP fixation. Complications included 1 plate breakage and 1 peri-hardware radial shaft fracture. Conclusion: Distraction bridge plate fixation is a reliable method to stabilize highly comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures in patients with a well-aligned volar rim fragment of the lunate facet.

Role of a spanning plate as an internal fixator in complex distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive temporary internal wrist arthrodesis as an alternative treatment method in complex distal radius fractures. INDICATIONS: Complex distal radius fractures with dorsal and/or palmar comminution and little to no reconstruction possibilities, radiocarpal ligamentous injury, need for early weight bearing through the affected wrist (walking aids). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Complex hand injuries limiting the possibility to safely secure the plate at either the metacarpal or the radial shaft. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous or open reduction and fixation of the distal radius fracture. Determine the location for the two stab incisions under fluoroscopy; one over the distal radial diaphysis and one over the second or third metacarpal. A third incision over Lister's tubercle allows transposition of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, excision of the posterior interosseous nerve and dorsal arthrotomy. Retrograde insertion of the spanning plate. Placement of a first nonlocking screw through the glide hole into the metacarpal shaft. Under traction, a proximal screw hole is filled with a nonlocking screw into the radial diaphysis. Tightening of the cortical screws under lateral fluoroscopic view. The remaining screw holes at both the distal and proximal ends of the plate are filled with locking screws. Layered wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A removable wrist splint is worn during 2 weeks. Weight bearing through the injured wrist is immediately allowed. Removal of the spanning plate is scheduled at 3 months after radiographic evidence of fracture consolidation. RESULTS: In total, twelve distal radius fractures were treated by dorsal spanning plate fixation between January 2018 and January 2019. Average age was 53.3 ± 24.5 years (range 22-95 years). Both 3.5 mm and 2.4/2.7 mm plates were used. All twelve fractures were healed after 3 months. The mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 36.4 (range 8.3-70.0). There was one EPL tendon rupture, one case with extensor tendon adhesions, one periosteosynthetic fracture of the radial shaft and one complex regional pain syndrome. There was no implant failure and no infection.

Evaluación de resultados calificada por el paciente en el análisis la diferencia de resultado funcional entre Fijación distal del segundo y tercer metacarpiano de placa de distracción dorsal en conminutivo distal fractura de radio / Patient-rated outcomes evaluation in analyzing the difference of functional outcome between second and third metacarpal distal fixation of dorsal distraction plating in comminutive distal radius fracture

Introduction: Comminuted distal radius fracture is one of the fractures that difficult to reduce. This study aimed to compare Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score between plating on second and third metacarpal groups. Methods: This study used a retrospective analytic research design with a sample of twenty seven cases of distal radius comminutive fractures that have been treated using dorsal distraction plating. Fifthteen cases with distal fixation in second metacarpal and twelve cases in third metacarpal. Data were then analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean Pain scores in the second metacarpal and third metacarpal groups, respectively were 5.73 compared to 6.17. While the mean score of Function in the second metacarpal group and the third metacarpal group, respectively 12.67 compared to 13.83. The total PRWE score in the second metacarpal group was 18.40 compared to the third metacarpal group which was 20.0 (p>0.05). Conclusions: Patients with distal radius comminuted fracture treated using dorsal distraction plating with distal fixation in second metacarpal showed higher mean Pain, Function and total PRWE compared to third metacarpal, but there were no significant differences

Comminuted Distal Radial Fracture with Large Rotated Palmar Medial Osteochondral Fragment in the Joint.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular distal radius fractures have long been massively discussed in the literature, but regarding to fractures that possess rotated volar medial fragment in the joint a few amount papers has been written. In this article, we would like to emphasize the significance of the rotated palmar medial (lunate facet) fragment. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man fell from a height of about 3 m and landed on his right outstretched hand; within 40 min, he arrived at our clinic presenting with a severe pain and swelling in his right wrist. Initial X-rays of the wrist revealed dorsal subluxation of the radiocarpal joint with dorsal comminution of the radial articular surface and fracture of the radial styloid process, with (nearly inverted) ~ 140-150° rotation of the palmar medial fragment. With an additional volar approach, the fragment reduced and stabilized with two K-wires and wrist immobilized in external fixator. The patient returned to daily activities without any discomfort and pain after the 1 year from the surgery. CONCLUSION: Overlooking of palmar rotated osteochondral fragment will cause deficiency to build proper pre-operative strategy to approach the reduction of the fragment. The incompetence of reduction will deteriorate the articular surface and lead to early osteoarthritis of the wrist. The surgeon should detect this fragment and should be familiar with volar approaches of the wrist. Above average surgical experience would be needed for successful reduction.