Assessment of Pronator Quadratus Repair Integrity Using Dynamic Ultrasonography Following Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: Previous work evaluating the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle following volar plate fixation (VPF) of distal radius fractures (DRF) suggests that PQ repair often fails in the postoperative period. The purpose of this investigation was to assess PQ repair integrity following VPF of DRF using dynamic musculoskeletal ultrasonography. Methods: Twenty adult patients who underwent VPF of DRF with repair of the PQ with a minimum follow-up of 3 months underwent bilateral dynamic wrist ultrasonography. The integrity of the PQ repair, wrist range of motion (ROM) and strength, and functional outcome scores were assessed. Results: Mean patient age at the time of surgery was 59 ± 14 years, and 50% underwent VPF of their dominant wrist. Patients were evaluated at a mean 9 ± 4 months after VPF. All patients had an intact PQ repair. The volar plate was completely covered by the PQ in 55% of patients and was associated with a larger PQ when compared to patients with an incompletely covered volar plate (P = .026). The flexor pollicis longus tendon was in contact with the volar plate in 20% of patients, with those patients demonstrating a trend toward significantly increased wrist flexion (P = .053). No difference in ROM, strength, or outcome scores was noted among wrists with completely or incompletely covered volar plates. Conclusions: The PQ demonstrates substantial durability after repair following VPF. Wrist ROM, strength, and functional outcomes are similar in wrists in which the volar plate is completely or incompletely covered by the repaired PQ.

Early Versus Late Motion Following Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: Distal radius fractures are common, and the trend in fixation has included the use of locked volar plating. The duration of splinting required after surgery and the effect splinting has upon outcome of the wrist are not clear. Our aim was to compare outcome of patients treated with early versus late motion protocol after volar plating. Methods: Thirty-three patients with distal radius fractures were prospectively and randomly enrolled into an early versus late motion study including volar plating of the distal radius fracture. Early motion included an active and passive wrist motion protocol by 14 days after surgery and delayed motion was initiated at 5 weeks. Fractures were defined as intra-articular and extra-articular, and those with, and without, ulnar styloid fracture. Motion and outcome scores (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]/patient-rated wrist evaluation [PRWE]), and strength were measured through 1 year. Results: Wrist motion, DASH, and PRWE scores were only significantly different at 6 weeks with no significant differences at any later time points up to 1 year. One patient had complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and one had adhesive capsulitis in the late motion group. Conclusions: Following locked volar plating of distal radius fractures, early motion favored earlier return of motion along with lower DASH, PRWE, and pain scores within first 6 weeks. Although the late motion group had delayed recovery, there were no long-term significant differences in motion, strength, outcome, or pain scores. The 2 cases with complications (CRPS and adhesive capsulitis) did occur in the late motion group and may implicate late motion with these problems.

Dorsal Plating for Intra-articular Middle Phalangeal Base Fractures With Volar Instability.

Background: Intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability are rare injuries with scant literature on optimal management. Our purpose is to describe our method of dorsal plating and report postoperative outcomes. Methods: This study is a retrospective case review of 5 patients with intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar proximal interphalangeal joint instability, measuring subjective, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Results: Patient age averaged 38.2 years (range, 23-56 years), and 80% were male. Sporting injuries were the most common mechanism (80%). Time to surgery averaged 7 days, and postoperative follow-up duration averaged 19.6 months (median 8 months). All fractures were intra-articular at the proximal interphalangeal joint with volar instability. There were no complications and no patients required secondary surgery. Grip strength was maintained and range of motion was good, based on the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Total Active Motion score. Average Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was 0.5 (range, 0-2.3), 100% of patients were satisfied, and average visual analog pain score was 1.2. Patients returned to work at a median of 4 days. There was radiographic union at an average of 6.6 weeks (range, 6-7 weeks) in all fractures. Conclusions: Dorsal plating using a 1.5-mm modular hand plate is a viable option for rigid fixation of intra-articular middle phalangeal base fractures with volar instability. This fixation method allows for early range of motion without complications in this case series. All fractures united, and patients had minimal functional deficits and were able to maintain good range of motion.

Effects of Volar Tilt, Wrist Extension, and Plate Position on Contact Between Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon and Volar Plate.

PURPOSE: Volar plates positioned at, or distal to, the watershed line have been shown to have a higher incidence of attritional rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of wrist extension and volar tilt on the contact between the plate and the FPL tendon in a cadaver model. We hypothesized that, following volar plate application, loss of native volar tilt increases the contact between the FPL and the plate at lower degrees of wrist extension. METHODS: A volar locking plate was applied on 6 fresh-frozen cadavers. To determine the contact between the plate and the FPL tendon, both structures were wrapped with copper wire and circuit conductivity was monitored throughout wrist motion. A lateral wrist radiograph was obtained at each circuit closure, indicating tendon-plate contact. Baseline measurements were obtained with plate positioned at Soong grades 0, 1, and 2. An extra-articular osteotomy was made and contact was recorded at various volar tilt angles (+5°, 0°, -5°, -10°, -15°, and -20°) in 3 different plate positions. A blinded observer measured the degree of wrist extension on all lateral radiographs. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects regression model. RESULTS: Plates placed distal to the watershed line had the most contact throughout wrist range of motion. Significantly, less wrist extension was required for contact in wrists with neutral or dorsal tilt and in distally placed volar plates. Volar tilt, wrist extension, and plate position were 3 independent risk factors determining contact between plate and tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of volar tilt, increased wrist extension, and higher Soong grade plate position result in greater contact between wire-wrapped FPL tendon and plate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The FPL/plate contact chart generated in this study may be used to assess the risk of rupture in the clinical setting.

Volar locking plate (VLP) versus non-locking plate (NLP) in the treatment of die-punch fractures of the distal radius, an observational study.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate whether volar locking plate was superior over non-locking plate in the treatment of die-punch fractures of the distal radius. METHODS: A total of 57 patients with closed die-punch fractures of the distal radius were included and analyzed. Of them, 32 were treated by non-locking plate (NLP) and the remaining 25 were treated by volar locking plate (VLP). Preoperative radiographs, computer tomographs and three-dimensional reconstruction, radiographs taken at immediate postoperation and at last follow-up were extracted and evaluated. Patients' electronic medical records were inquired and related demographic and medical data were documented. The documented contents were volar tilt, radial inclination, ulnar variance, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and complications. RESULTS: VLP group demonstrated a significantly reduced radial subsidence of 1.5 mm (0.7 versus 2.2 mm), during the interval of bony union (P < 0.001), compared to NLP group. Larger proportion of patients (88% versus 62.5%) in VLP group gained acceptable joint congruity (step-off <2 mm) at the final follow-up (P = 0.037). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the measurements of volar tilt, radial inclination, DASH, VAS and grip strength recovery at the last follow-up. There was a trend of fewer overall complications (5/25 versus 10/32) and major complications that required surgery interventions (1/25 versus 4/32) in VLP than NLP groups, although the difference did not approach to significance (P = 0.339, 0.372). CONCLUSIONS: VLP leaded to significantly better results of reduction maintainance and the final joint congruity than NLP, while reducing overall and major complications. However, the results should be treated in the context of limitations and the clinical significance of the difference required further studies to investigate.

Sonographic evaluation of effects of the volar plate on trigger finger.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated trigger fingers ultrasonographically and clarified differences between fingers with and without continuous locking or snapping symptoms according to the thicknesses of the A1 pulley, flexor tendon and volar plate. METHODS: We evaluated 26 trigger fingers, divided into two groups: Group 1, 14 fingers with locking or snapping; and Group 2, 12 fingers without such symptoms. We also evaluated 26 contralateral fingers as controls (Control 1 and 2 groups). We compared each group to the respective control group according to thickness of the A1 pulley and volar plate, and cross-sectional area of the flexor tendon. In addition, nine fingers with locking or snapping and treated using corticosteroid injection were evaluated according to symptoms and sonographic findings 3-4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Thickness of the A1 pulley and cross-sectional area of the flexor tendon were greater in both Groups 1 and 2 than in controls. Thickness of the volar plate was greater in Group 1 than in Control 1, although no significant difference was seen between Group 2 and Control 2. In Group 1, eight of the nine fingers showed an alleviation of locking or snapping symptoms with corticosteroid injection, and sonographic findings showed that thickness of the volar plate was significantly decreased with corticosteroid injection, in addition to reduced thickness of the A1 pulley. CONCLUSION: In addition to thickening of the A1 pulley, thickening of the volar plate may represent an important contributor to continuous snapping or locking symptoms.

Restoration of the volar cortex: predicting instability after manipulation of distal radial fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Distal radial fractures are one of the most common fractures that are presented to the emergency department (ed). The management of non-emergent cases often involves closed reduction and immobilisation before referral to orthopaedic services. Surgical intervention is offered based on the criteria for instability. This can be predicted from the initial and post-manipulation radiographs. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of various predictors of instability in the requirement for surgery, based on specific evidence-based criteria. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We audited 87 consecutive distal radial fractures that had been manipulated by the ED and analysed what factors predicted instability. RESULTS: The most significant predictor of instability and hence further surgery was the failure to anatomically restore the volar cortex (VC) (p = 0.002) during the manipulation. Other significant factors were increasing age (p = 0.006) and fracture of the ulna styloid (p = 0.028). If the VC was restored or remained intact during the manipulation, only 38% required further surgery. If the VC was displaced or not restored, 65% required further surgery. CONCLUSION: The restoration or maintenance of volar cortical alignment during the manipulation of distal radial fractures offers patients the best chance of avoiding the need for further surgery. This factor should be taken into account in the decision-making process for these fractures.

Biomechanical comparison of volar locked plate constructs using smooth and threaded locking pegs.

The goal of this study was to determine whether there is any biomechanical difference in terms of construct strength with axial loading between volar fixed-angle locking plates with threaded locking vs smooth locking pegs. The control group comprised 7 cadaveric specimens with threaded locking pegs, and the test group comprised 7 cadaveric specimens from the same donor with smooth locking pegs. The DVR plate (Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) was applied to the volar surface. A 15-mm dorsal wedge osteotomy was created near the level of Lister's tubercle. The radii were potted in polymethylmethacrylate for biomechanical testing. The loading protocol consisted of 3 parts: ramp loading, cyclic loading, and failure loading. The outcome measures of stiffness and failure were used to test the plates fixed with threaded and smooth locking pegs. When comparing each cycle, the difference in mean stiffness between threaded and smooth locking pegs was as follows: 122 N/mm, -9.09 N/mm, -14.7 N/mm, 49.4 N/mm, 57.4 N/mm, 71.9 N/mm, 52.3 N/mm, 35.8 N/mm. The difference in mean failure load between the threaded and smooth locking pegs was -11.3 N. There was no difference in stiffness throughout all cycles. Failure analysis showed no significant difference between the smooth (962 N) and threaded (951 N) locking pegs. The difference in stiffness between the 2 constructs (smooth minus threaded locking pegs) in ramp loading ranged from -122 to 15 N/mm. The results of this study showed no significant differences in stiffness and failure load between constructs consisting of threaded locking pegs or smooth locking pegs in the distal rows of the DVR distal radius volar locking plate. Based on the results of this study, there may be no benefit to using threaded locking pegs vs smooth locking pegs when treating distal radius fractures with a volar locking plate.

[Treatment of type c fractures of the distal radius with volar locking compression plate and radial styloid process plate].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness ofvolar locking compression plate (LCP) and radial styloid process plate for the treatment of type C fractures of the distal radius. METHODS: Between May 2010 and May 2011, 24 cases of type C fractures of the distal radius were treated, including 8 males and 16 females with an average age of 52 years (range, 23-73 years). Injury was caused by falling in 20 cases and by traffic accident in 4 cases. All were fresh closed fractures. The locations were the left side in 15 cases and the right side in 9 cases. According to AO typing, there were 16 cases of type C2 and 8 cases of type C3. The preoperative palmar tilt angle ranged from 60 to 25 degrees (mean, -45.3 degrees); the preoperative ulnar inclination angle ranged from 16 to 13 degrees (mean, 8.2 degrees); and the preoperative radial length shortening was 8-18 mm (mean, 12 mm). The time from injury to operation was 3-10 days (mean, 5.2 days). RESULTS: All operation incisions healed primarily. All patients were followed up 9-16 months (mean, 13.5 months). The healing time of fracture was 8-12 weeks (mean, 10.2 weeks). The articular surface was smooth and the radial length was recovered. The postoperative palmar tilt angle ranged from 8 to 15 degrees (mean, 12.3 degrees); the postoperative ulnar inclination angle ranged from 18 to 26 degrees (mean, 22.3 degrees). No loss of reduction, refracture, or carpal tunnel syndrome occurred during follow-up. The average range of motion of the wrist was 45.3 degrees (range, 30-70 degrees) in dorsal extension, was 50.2 degrees (range, 26-78 degrees) in palmar flexion, was 13.5 degrees (range, 8-25 degrees) in radial inclination, was 23.6 degrees (range, 15-32 degrees) in ulnar inclination, was 65.7 degrees (range, 35-90 degrees) in pronation, and was 72.5 degrees (range, 20-90 degrees) in supination at last follow-up. According to the wrist function by Gartland-Werley scoring, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 8 cases, and fair in 4 cases; and the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. CONCLUSION: Treatment of type C fractures of the distal radius with volar LCP and radial styloid process plate can reconstruct normal anatomic structures and get good functional recovery.

Orthogonal plating of intra-articular distal radius fractures with an associated radial column fracture via a single volar approach.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiographic and functional outcome of orthogonal plating (two plates at right angles) via a single volar approach for fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures with an associated radial column fracture. METHODS: In a retrospective, chart-based review, we identified 14 consecutive patients with an intra-articular distal radial fracture who had been treated with locked volar plate fixation and an additional radial column plate. Radial column plates were LCP Distal Radius Plates 2.4; volar plates were LCP Distal Radius Plates 2.4 (n=13) or LCP T-plate (n=1). These patients were operated on using the extended volar flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach as described by Orbay. Radiographic measurements, healing rates, time to union, complications, range of motion, the Gartland and Werley score, and the QuickDASH questionnaire were done in order to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes of this technique. RESULTS: Thirteen of the 14 fractures healed within 7 weeks after surgery. Two implant removals were done. One patient had malposition of the fracture and carpal tunnel symptoms, which required a second surgery. No other complications (e.g., first dorsal compartment problems, radial plate prominence problems and radial sensory nerve problems) were observed. The average length of follow-up was 30 months (range, 12.8 months to 5.4 years). Radiographic results after healing were radial inclination 20°, radial length 11.4mm, tilt 6° volar, ulnar variance -0.5mm, articular gap 0.1mm and step-off 0.1mm. Wrist range of motion was flexion-extension arc 93°, ulnar-radial deviation arc 49° and pronation-supination arc 152°. Nine patients scored 'excellent' on the Gartland and Werley score, while the remaining five patients scored 'good'. The average QuickDASH score was 13.4. CONCLUSION: Additional fixation of a radial column process in an intra-articular distal radius fracture via the extended FCR approach using a standard volar plate and radial LCP resulted in good/excellent radiographic and functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Cross-frictional therapy and stretching for the treatment of palmar adhesions due to Dupuytren's contracture: a prospective case study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential for treatment of palmar adhesions associated with Dupuytren's contracture using instrument-assisted cross-frictional massage (CFM) and stretching. METHODS: This was a prospective case study. The primary intervention consisted of a 2-min multi-planar CFM over the affected area of the palm, followed by a 2-min maximal finger-extension stretch. RESULTS: Following eight weeks of treatment there were increases in both passive and active extension range of motion of the digits, reduction in the visibility of palmar adhesions, and subjective improvements in hand function. CONCLUSIONS: This treatment protocol may offer a substitute for the current invasive surgical and injection procedures that are available.

Treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius: a prospective randomised comparison of external fixation 'versus' locked volar plating.

The traditional treatment of severely impacted fractures of the distal radius involves bridging external fixation and maintaining reduction by applying continuous traction. The recent technique using fixed-angle screws within volar plates is reported restore the radial length and the articular profile whilst avoiding joint distraction. It is also believed to produce better and quicker clinical results. To test these claims, we carried out a randomised controlled comparison of the efficiency of external fixation (EF) 'versus' open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating severely impacted fractures of the distal radius. A total of 39 patients were treated with EF, eventually associated with percutaneous pinning, whereas 36 underwent ORIF with a locked volar plate. There was no significant difference in the two groups with regard to changes in the ulnar variance. Articular reduction was poor in two patients in the EF group with residual step-offs exceeding 2mm; another patient of the EF group suffered a secondary loss of reduction, healing with a severe articular malunion (>2mm). By contrast, articular reduction was satisfactory in all the patients of the ORIF group. The clinical results on the Green and O'Brien rating were significantly better in the ORIF group than in the EF group (p<0.01 at 6 weeks, p<0.05 at 6 months). Nevertheless, open reduction and volar plating did not yield better subjective results than EF. However, although not statistically significant, patients treated by ORIF seemed to resume their usual activities quicker than those treated with EF, suggesting that this technique may be adapted to a greater extent in the case of active, young individuals.

The effects of a displaced dorsal rim fracture on outcomes after volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a displaced dorsal rim fracture has an adverse effect on wrist function after volar plate fixation of a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture (DRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two matched cohorts of 23 matched patients, one with a displaced dorsal rim fracture >2mm (group 1), and the other without a dorsal rim fracture (group 2) were analysed in this study of volar locking plate fixation for dorsally unstable DRFs. The two cohorts were analysed for differences in wrist function and wrist pain, radiographic parameters and arthritic grades of radiocarpal joints. Displacement of dorsal rim fragments and diameters of the retained articular portions of dorsal rims in group 1 were measured. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two groups in overall wrist function or wrist pain. Mean displacement of dorsal rims in group 1 was 3.0mm and the mean diameter of the retained articular portion of dorsal articular wall was 2.0mm. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of any radiographic parameters or the arthritic grading of radiocarpal joints. CONCLUSION: A displaced dorsal rim fracture does not appear to affect outcomes adversely after volar locking plate fixation of dorsally displaced DRFs.

Use of the volar fixed angle plate for comminuted distal radius fractures and augmentation with a hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute.

Treatment of distal radius fractures with a volar fixed angle plate achieves sufficient stabilisation and permits early physical exercise. However, secondary displacement after surgery sometimes occurs in elderly patients with a metaphyseal comminution and/or cases in which the subchondral support pegs were not placed immediately below the subchondral zone. We treated elderly patients suffering from distal radius fractures with metaphyseal comminution, using both volar fixed angle plate with or without augmentation with a hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute to investigate the benefit of augmentation for maintaining a fracture reduction. We evaluated the differences among radiographic parameters including palmar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance on immediate postoperative and final follow-up radiographs to analyse the maintenance of the initial reduction. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of palmar tilt (P = 0.80) and radial inclination (P = 0.17); however, ulnar variance increased significantly in the group treated with a volar fixed angle plate without augmentation (P < 0.05). It might be useful to use a combination technique of a locking plate system and the hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute as augmentation to treat distal radius comminuted fractures in elderly patients.

Evaluación de la fisioterapia precoz en las fracturas de la extremidad distal del radio tratadas mediante placa volar de ángulo fijo / Evaluation of early physical therapy in distal radius fractures treated with fixed-angle volar plate

Objetivo: analizar el resultado funcional de la fisioterapia precoz en pacientes con fracturas de la extremidad distal del radio (FEDR), tratados mediante placa volar de ángulo fijo (PVAF). Material y método: estudio prospectivo de 20 pacientes (61 ± 16 años de edad) con FEDR, tratados con PVAF y fisioterapia precoz que fueron valorados a los 60 y 120 días de la intervención, analizando los datos demográficos (sexo, edad y dominancia), datos relacionados a la fractura (clasificación de Fernández), datos funcionales (amplitudes del movimiento, fuerza de presión y pinza) y la funcionalidad mediante el cuestionario DASH. La muñeca contralateral se utilizó como control. Resultados: el tratamiento fisioterapéutico precoz demostró un aumento significativo (p< 0,05) de la amplitud del movimiento y fuerza de presión, comparando las tres evaluaciones. El movimiento de pronación no presentó diferencias entre la segunda y la tercera evaluación. Comparando la primera y la segunda evaluación de la muñeca fracturada con la muñeca contralateral (grupo control) encontramos diferencias significativas que desaparecieron en la tercera evaluación. La puntuación del cuestionario DASH mejoró significativamente. Conclusión: La tercera evaluación se aproxima a la normalidad por lo que el tratamiento rehabilitador precoz en pacientes con FEDR tratados con PVAF permite retornar a las actividades de forma más rápida (AU)

Objective: analyzing the functional results of the precocious physical therapy intervention in individuals with distal radius fractures (DRF) that had been through treatment with fixed-angle volar plate (FAVP). Methods: Twenty individuals were assessed (61 ± 16 years) 60 and 120 days after operation. Demographic data (sex, age and dominance), data related to fracture (classification of Fernández), functional data (range of motion, grip and pinch strength) and assessment of functionality by DASH were analyzed. The contralateral wrist was used as control. Results: Significant increases were observed (p< 0,05) in the range of motion, grip and pinch strength when compared the assessments. The exception was pronation, which shows no difference between the second and third assessment. Comparing the averages of the first and second evaluation of the fractured wrist with the average of contralateral wrist (control group) there was significant difference. However, comparing the averages of fractured wrists in the third assessment and the control group there was no difference. The DASH score was statistically significant. Conclusions: These results suggest that precocious physical therapy in patients treated with FAVP in the DRF provides that return to their daily activities faster (AU)