Volar Plate Fixation to Treat Scaphoid Nonunion: A Case Series With Minimum 3 Years of Follow-Up

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 569.e1-569.e8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Esteban-Feliu ◽  
Sergi Barrera-Ochoa ◽  
Nuria Vidal-Tarrason ◽  
Bernat Mir-Simon ◽  
Alex Lluch ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (03) ◽  
pp. 219-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamil Yamak ◽  
Hüseyin Gökhan Karahan ◽  
Berrak Karatan ◽  
Cemil Kayalı ◽  
Taşkın Altay

Abstract Background The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon rupture and factors leading to this rupture during the follow-up of patients who underwent volar plate fixation because of distal radius fracture. Patients and Methods A total of 109 distal radius fractures of 102 patients treated with volar plate fixation and periodically followed up for at least 1 year between January 2013 and May 2018 were evaluated. Fractures were categorized according to the AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) Fracture-Dislocation Classification and Soong's grading was used for classifying volar plate position. All patients operated were inquired retrospectively in terms of flexor tendon rupture. Results Gender distribution revealed 45 females and 57 males. Mean age was 47.9 (range: 17–88) years. Mean period of follow-up was 27 months. Distribution of fractures in accordance with the AO/OTA distal radius classification was 6, 8, 7, 12, 24, 33, 11, and 8 patients with types A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, and C3, respectively. When volar plate positions were analyzed with Soong's classification, it revealed that 79 (72.4%), 23 (21.1%), and 7 (6.5%) plates were grade 0, 1, and 2, respectively. In total, evaluating the three patients with FPL rupture, it revealed that the volar plate was positioned distally during fixation because the fracture line had advanced to the distal of the watershed line, the distal portion of the plate had lost complete connection with the bone, and at this portion, it was observed that the pronator quadratus muscle was not covering the plate entirely (Soong's classification grade 2). Patients did not have additional flexor tendon injury. Conclusion FPL tendon rupture is a rare but serious complication of volar plate fixation performed for distal radius fractures. We believe that appropriate choice of implant and careful surgical technique, along with the close follow-up of patients, with Soong's classification grade-2 volar positions would help in preventing this complication. Level of Evidence This is a Level 3a, differential diagnosis/symptom prevalence study.


Author(s):  
Atin Kumar Kundu ◽  
Nitin Wale ◽  
Satyendra Phuljhele ◽  
Deepak Ghritlahre ◽  
Harjot Singh Gurudatta

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Despite being one of the most common fractures encountered in patients, intra-articular distal radius fractures still pose therapeutic challenge to Orthopaedic surgeons. With the advent of locking plates, the fixation of these fractures has been made better, specifically by fixed angle volar locking plate. This study investigates the efficacy of these plates using volar approach, functional and clinical outcome, in addition to the radiological alignment.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty patients with closed distal radius fractures, with AO TYPE B3, B4, AND C fracture pattern, operated with distal radius plate fixation using volar approach, were included in the study during the period of August 2014 to August 2016. With a minimum follow up of six months, radiological outcome was analysed and functional outcome recorded (Gartland and Werley’s demerit scoring system).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> With a mean age of 42 years and follow up of six months, the range of movement of the wrist was very satisfactory, and the mean grip strength was 80% of the opposite wrist. Radiological parameters were well‑maintained, and functional parameters by Gartland and Werley showed a significant improvement in most of the patients during the follow‑up period. The complication rate was less and insignificant.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Primary volar plate fixation of intraarticular distal radius fracture provides a stable construct that helps in early mobilization, thereby better functional outcomes and minimizes chances of delayed/malunion.</p>


Author(s):  
Duncan S. Van Nest ◽  
Michael Reynolds ◽  
Eugene Warnick ◽  
Matthew Sherman ◽  
Asif M. Ilyas

Abstract Background Headless compression screw fixation with bone grafting has been the mainstay of treatment for scaphoid nonunion for the past several decades. Recently, locked volar plate fixation has gained popularity as a technique for scaphoid fixation, especially for recalcitrant or secondary nonunions. Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare union rates and clinical outcomes between locked volar plate fixation and headless compression screw fixation for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. Methods A literature search was performed for studies documenting treatment outcomes for scaphoid nonunions from 2000 to 2020. Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) average age > 18 years, (2) primary study using screw fixation, plate fixation, or both, with discrete data reported for each procedure, and (3) average follow-up of at least 3 months. Exclusion criteria consisted of studies with incomplete or missing data on union rates. Data from each study was weighted, combined within treatment groups, and compared across treatment groups using a generalized linear model or binomial distribution. Results Following title and full-text review, 23 articles were included for analysis. Preoperatively, patients treated with plate fixation had significantly longer time from injury to surgery and were more likely to have failed prior surgical intervention. There was no significant difference between union rates at 92 and 94% for screw and plate fixation, respectively. However, plate fixation resulted in longer time to union and lower modified Mayo wrist scores. Conclusion Patients treated with locked volar plate fixation were more likely to be used for recalcitrant or secondary nonunions. There was no statistically significant difference in union rates between screw and plate fixation. The results from this meta-analysis support the select use of locked volar plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion, especially recalcitrant nonunions and those that have failed prior surgical repair.


Author(s):  
Arno A. Macken ◽  
Jonathan Lans ◽  
Sezai Özkan ◽  
Simon Kramer ◽  
Jesse B. Jupiter ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim A rare complication following volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture is flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture. This study aims primarily to analyze the radiographic features and secondly to report the patient-reported outcomes of FPL reconstruction after volar plate fixation. Methods Ten patients were retrospectively identified and contacted for follow-up. Seven patients participated in the study and completed the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, patient-reported outcome measurement information system—upper extremity (PROMIS-UE), and quick disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) questionnaires at a median of 3.4 years following FPL reconstruction. Soong grade was determined on preoperative radiographs. Results Six patients were classified as Soong grade 1 and two patients had a screw or wire protruding volarly. The median time to tendon rupture was 21.6 months. At final follow-up, the median NRS pain score was 0 (range: 0–7); the median PROMIS-UE score was 47.1 (range: 25.9–61); and the median QuickDASH-score was 12.5 (range: 4.5–75). Conclusions The outcome of FPL reconstruction after volar plate fixation is highly variable. All ruptures in our cohort occurred in patients with plate positioning classified as Soong grade 1 and occurred at up to 3 years following distal radius fixation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Perry ◽  
DMG Machin ◽  
JA Casaletto ◽  
DJ Brown

INTRODUCTION Rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a recognised complication following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures, usually from attrition caused by prominent screws. We sought to identify the screw holes in some of the most commonly used plates which may precipitate tendon injury. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Three fixed-angle volar locking plates were sequentially positioned into 18 cadaveric arms. A wire was passed through each of the holes in the plates using a locking guide and the dorsal relationships noted. RESULTS Each plate had specific ‘high-risk’ holes which directed the wire towards the EPL groove. The central screw holes appeared mostly implicated in EPL injury. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of ‘high-risk’ holes and appropriate minor alterations in surgical technique may consequently decrease the incidence of EPL irritation and rupture.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuo Ikeda ◽  
Naoki Osamura ◽  
Kaoru Tada

If fixation of an ulnodorsal fragment in an intra-articular fracture of the distal radius is not stable, it is sometimes caused by dorsal displacement after surgery. Hence, we recommend the volar plate fixation with an additional dorsal approach and fixation of irreducible ulnodorsal fragments using a low-profile dorsal mini plate. The details of the surgical procedure and indications are discussed in this article.


2005 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 611-616
Author(s):  
Kazunobu Arakaki ◽  
Hikaru Tashima ◽  
Yosuke Asahara ◽  
Chikara Deguchi ◽  
Futoshi Kuga

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