Minimally Invasive Surgery: Is There a Role in Distal Radius Fracture Management?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review explores minimally invasive surgical techniques for distal radius fractures and guides their use in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, volar locked plating. RECENT FINDINGS: Fractures of the lunate facet, die-punch fractures, and marginal articular shear injuries present challenges that cannot be easily addressed with volar plating. The use of external fixation, Kirschner wires, and dorsal bridge plating should all be considered. These techniques, in combination and in addition to volar locked plating, continue to play an important role in fracture management. Arthroscopically assisted surgery with minimally invasive fixation allows for detailed inspection of the radiocarpal joint. Closed treatment and casting continue to play an important role in distal radius fracture care. The role of minimally invasive surgery for distal radius fractures is still being defined. While fixation using a volar locking plate is by far the most common treatment method, other techniques should be considered to improve outcomes and decrease complications.