The spanning plate as an internal fixator in complex distal radius fractures – a prospective cohort study

Abstract Objective Minimal invasive temporary spanning plate (SP) fixation of the wrist has been described as an alternative treatment method in complex distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study is to conduct an outcome analysis of all consecutive DRFs treated by SP fixation representing the so far largest published patient cohort outside the United States. Methods Indication for SP fixation included DRFs with severe metaphyseal comminution, radiocarpal luxation fractures with concomitant ligamentous injuries and very distal intra-articular fractures lacking the possibility of adequate plate anchoring. All consecutive patients undergoing SP fixation of DRFs were prospectively included in a single level I trauma centre between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2020. Post-operative assessments included radiological, functional and patient-rated outcomes at a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Results In the mentioned timeframe, a total of 508 DRFs were treated operatively of which 28 underwent SP fixation. Average age was 58.1 years (range 22-95 years). The fracture type ranged from AO/OTA type B1.1 to C3.3 and included 8 fracture dislocations. SP removal was performed on average 3.7 months after the initial operation (range 1.4-6.5 months). The mean follow-up time was 14.5 months (range 12-24 months). Radiological evidence of fracture healing appeared on average 9.9 weeks (range 5-28 weeks) after the initial operation. One patient experienced oligosymptomatic non-union. Complications included 2 patients with tendon rupture and one patient with extensor tendon adhesions needing tenolysis at the time of plate removal leaving an overall complication rate of 12%. There was no implant failure and no infection. Mean satisfaction score was 8 (range 0-10) and mean visual analogue scale for resting pain was 0.9 (range 0-9). The mean PRWE score was 17.9 (range 0-59.5) and the mean DASH score was 16.6 (range 0-60.8). Grip strength averaged 23kg (range 4-74kg) amounting to 68% of the opposite side. Mean radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance at 1 year were all within the acceptable limit predictive of symptomatic malunion. Conclusion The radiological, functional and patient-rated outcomes in this study are remarkably good considering the complexity of the included fractures. Therefore, this method represents a valuable alternative for the treatment of complex DRFs in selected patients.

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COMPARISON OF RADIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF INTERNAL FIXATION USING TWO DIFFERENT VOLAR PLATES FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES

Hand Surgery ◽

10.1142/s0218810414500270 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (03) ◽

pp. 357-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chul-Hyun Cho ◽

Si-Wook Lee ◽

Gu-Hee Jung

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Implant Design ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Length ◽

Type C ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of volar plating using two different implants for distal radius fractures. Fifty-two patients with AO type C fractures were placed in either of two groups: the AO LDRS group (26 patients) or the Acu-Loc group (26 patients). Radiological parameters including radial length, radial inclination, volar tilt, and intra-articular step-off were significantly improved after surgery. The mean Mayo Wrist Performance Score was 84.6 in the AO LDRS group and 81.1 in the Acu-Loc group. The mean Subjective Wrist Value was 86.7% in the AO LDRS group and 86.3% in the Acu-Loc group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to both radiological and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up evaluation. Volar fixed-angle plating for unstable distal radius fractures had satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. The difference of implant design did not influence overall final outcomes.

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Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Using AO Titanium Volar Distal Radius Plate

Hand Surgery ◽

10.1142/s0218810403001339 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 08 (01) ◽

pp. 7-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

H. C. Lee ◽

Y. S. Wong ◽

B. K. Chan ◽

C. O. Low

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Titanium Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Articular Fractures ◽

Effective Treatment Modality ◽

Wrist Function

This study is to assess the effectiveness and outcome of the AO titanium volar distal radius plate (Synthes) in the treatment of peri-articular volar rim fractures of the distal radius. It was conducted on 22 patients with distal radius fractures who underwent open reduction, internal fixation using the AO titanium volar distal radius plate between July 1998 and December 1999 at the Changi General Hospital. The radiographs of the patients were analysed upon fracture union and assessment of wrist function was done using Gartland and Werley criteria. There were four extra-articular AO Type A2(1) and A3(3): the remaining 18 intra-articular fractures consisted of AO B3(2), AO C1(11), AO C2(2) and AO C3(3). The average follow-up period was 12.6 months (range 7–23). Radiological review showed bone healing in 21 patients (95.5%) and good articular congruity for all intra-articular fractures with less than 2 mm step-off. Three patients defaulted follow-up. Complications were few with one wound infection, one tendon rupture and three neuropraxia of the superficial radial nerve. Wrist function was excellent in three patients, good in 12 and fair in four. The AO titanium plate with its distal buttressing ability is an effective treatment modality in patients with distal radius fractures involving the peri-articular volar rim.

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The treatment of distal radius fractures accompanying dorsally displaced free fragments beyond the watershed line with turning radius and distal volaris radius system plate fixation via the distal palmar approach

10.21203/rs.3.rs-16766/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhaofeng Jia ◽

Shijin Wang ◽

Wei Jiang ◽

Chuangli Li ◽

Jiandong Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Postoperative Recovery ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Dash Score ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

X Ray ◽

Palmar Approach

Abstract Background: Although distal radius fractures (DRFs) are clinically common, DRFs accompanied by dorsally displaced free fragments beyond the watershed line are much less so. At present, it is very difficult to fix and stabilize the displaced free fragments far away from the watershed line with a plate. Our aim was to investigate the clinical effect of DRFs with distally displaced dorsal free mass treated with distal volaris radius (DVR) combined with turning of the radius via the distal palmar approach. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, 25 patients with distal radius fractures associated with dorsally displaced free fragments beyond the watershed line were selected and treated with distal volaris radius (DVR) combined with turning of the radius via the distal palmar approach. This study involved 14 males and 11 females, with an average age of 34.5 years (ranging from 21 to 50 years). The mean follow-up period was 16.5 months (ranging from 12 to 22 months). The dorsal displacement of the free fragments was analyzed by X-ray and three-dimensional computed tomography, allowing characterization of postoperative recovery effects by radial height, volar tilt and radial inclination. For the follow-up, we evaluated effects of the surgery by analyzing range of motion (ROM); Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS); and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Postoperative wound recovery and complications were also monitored to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects of the surgical procedures. Results: X-ray showed that all patients showed reduced fractures, well-healed wounds and recovered function with no obvious complications. Based on the follow-up, patients had a mean radial height of 10.5mm (ranging from 8.1 to 12.6 mm), mean MMWS of 78.8° (ranging from 61 to 90°), mean DASH score of 16.25 (ranging from 11 to 21), mean ROM for volar flexion of 76.5° (ranging from 62 to 81°), mean ROM for dorsiflexion of 77.1° (ranging from 59 to 83) and mean VAS score of 1.4 (ranging from 1 to 3). Conclusion: Treatment of distal radius fractures with accompanying dorsally displaced free fragments beyond the watershed line with turning of the radius and the DVR plate system via the distal palmar approach is effective and has no obvious complications.

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Clinical outcomes in management of unstable distal radius fractures treated with external fixation and internal fixation: a prospective comparative study

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20173932 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

pp. 1004 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sunil Kumar Dash ◽

Manish Kumar Sharma ◽

Sanket Mishra ◽

Hatia Marandi ◽

Aurobinda Das ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Internal Fixation ◽

Distal Radius Fracture ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fracture ◽

Dash Score ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Articular Fractures ◽

Group I

Background: Management of Distal Radius fracture that are inherently unstable is still a matter of debate. There is no conclusive evidence that support one surgical fixation method over another. An attempt was made to analyze patients treated with Ex-Fix and Internal-Fixation for unstable distal radius fractures and evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ex-fix using principles of ligamentotaxis and Internal-fixation and compare functional recovery, fracture healing time and complications.Methods: A prospective trial was undertaken at our hospital with 35 patients,all aged >20 yrs with closed distal radius fracture and divided into two groups: group I (Ex-fix with or without percutaneous k-wire, and JESS) and group II (Int-Fixation) including 14 and 21 patients, respectively. Periodic clinical examination and x-ray review was carried out to find out fracture union, and functional assessment. Patients were followed up for 1 year, 6 months average.Results: Group I consumed significant less operative time, fluoroscopic exposure, reduced hospital stay, quicker post-operative pain relief. Quick DASH score were significantly high in elderly treated with Ex-Fix in comparison to young in which DASH score was higher with internal-fixator. Functional recovery was early with int-fixation but post-operative wrist stiffness was also higher. 2 cases of delayed wound healing &1 case of pin tract infection with ex-fix application was observed. Conclusions: Internal-fixation remains the treatment of choice for unstable distal radius fracture involving the articular surface and in the young, while ext-fixation can be considered as a primary treatment modality in the extra-articular fractures in young or even intra-articular fractures in the elderly.

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Dual Plating Technique for Volar Rim Fracture of the Distal Radius Using DePuy-Synthes 2.0 m and 2.4 mm Locking Plates

The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume) ◽

10.1142/s0218810417500447 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (04) ◽

pp. 423-428 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yoshihiro Abe ◽

Masahiro Suzuki ◽

Hiromasa Wakita

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Ulnar Variance ◽

Locking Plates ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Inclination ◽

The Mean

Background: To assess the surgical results of distal radius fractures with the involvement of a volar rim fragment using the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates.Methods: Subjects were six women and one man of average age 57 years (range, 31–83 y) and a mean follow-up period of 9 months (range, 5–19 mo) with AO B3 (volar shearing) distal radius fractures. Time of the procedure, physical examination of wrist range of motion, grip strength compared with the contralateral healthy wrist, and radiographic evaluation (volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance) were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0 points represents no pain, 100 points represents the worst pain possible) and the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH, 0 = no disability, 100 = extreme disability) were completed by patients at the final follow-up.Results: The average time of the procedure was 74 min. There were no perioperative complications. Average radiographic measures were: volar tilt, 8°; radial inclination, 23°, and ulnar variance, 0 mm. Wrist range of motion averaged 63° in wrist extension (range, 55–80°) and 55° in wrist flexion (range, 45–65°). Grip strength averaged 81% of the contralateral side at final evaluation (range, 67–100%). The mean QuickDASH score was 3.0 points (range, 0–9.1 points) and the mean VAS for pain was 9.3 at final follow-up.Conclusions: Open reduction internal fixation with the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates is an effective means of fixing a distal radius fracture that includes a volar rim fragment without interfering with flexor tendon gliding.

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No benefit for elbow blocking on conservative treatment of distal radius fractures: A 6-month randomized controlled trial

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0252667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0252667

Author(s):

Aldo Okamura ◽

Vinícius Ynoe de Moraes ◽

Jorge Raduan Neto ◽

Marcel Jun Tamaoki ◽

Flavio Faloppa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Dash Score ◽

Functional Evaluation ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

The Mean ◽

Objective Functional ◽

Dash Questionnaire

Purpose For displaced distal radius fracture, this trial aimed to compare an above-elbow (AE) and below-elbow (BE) cast at the end of a 24-week follow-up using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire as a primary outcome. Methods This is a clinical trial with parallel groups (1:1) and a blinded evaluator. There are two non-surgical interventions: AE and BE. A total of 128 adult patients with acute (up to 7 days) displaced distal radius fracture of type A2-3, C1-3 by the AO classification were included. The follow-up was 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the DASH questionnaire at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the maintenance of reduction by the evaluation of radiographic parameters, pain measured by VAS, PRWE, objective functional evaluation and rate of adverse effects. Results The difference between the two groups in the DASH score at 24 weeks was not significant, with the mean (95% CI) DASH score being AE: 9.44 (2.70 to 16.17) vs. BE: 9.88 (3.19 to 16.57) (p = 0.895). The above-elbow group had a significantly greater worsening of the mean DASH score from baseline to 2 weeks (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in any of the other follow-up assessments. Objective functional evaluation, PRWE, radiographical measures and rates of reduction loss were similar between groups. Above-elbow casting resulted in more adverse effects (mostly shoulder pain; 19 events vs. 9 events); RR = 0.39 (0.19–0.94); p = 0.033 at the end of six-month follow-up. Conclusions This study did not demonstrate a difference between above-elbow and below-elbow cast in terms of DASH outcome at 6 months in non-surgical treatment of deviated distal radius fractures. However, below-elbow casting is less debilitating during the treatment period, has comparable performance in maintaining the reduction, and is related to fewer minor adverse effects than above-elbow casting.

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Volar Locking Plating for the Intra- and Extra-articular Distal Radius Fractures With Dorsal Metaphyseal Comminution

10.21203/rs.3.rs-564409/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xue-yang Gui ◽

Zhao-hui Cheng ◽

Hongfei Shi ◽

Yi-xin Chen ◽

Jin Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Locking Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Locking Plate Fixation ◽

Articular Fractures ◽

Metaphyseal Comminution

Abstract Background: Volar locking plating remains a popular method for the surgical management of distal radius fractures. Dorsal metaphyseal comminution (DMC) is a common fracture pattern which weakens the stability during fracture fixation. In this study, we aimed to compare the radiographic and functional outcome of the intra- and extra-articular distal radius fractures with DMC following volar locking plate fixation.Materials and methods: Patients suffered from a distal radius fracture with DMC were reviewed in the clinical database of the authors’ institution between Jan 2016 and Jan 2020. The included patients were classified into the extra-articular (A3) group or the intra-articular (C2 and C3) group according to the AO/OTA system. The radiological parameters, wrist range of motion, and functional outcomes were evaluated following open reduction and volar locking plate fixation.Results: A total of 130 patients were included in this study with a mean follow-up length of 17.2 months. Compared with the A3 fracture group, no significant fracture re-displacement or reduced wrist ROMs was observed in the C2 fractures after 12-month’s follow-up. However, significantly decreased volar tilt (P = 0.003) as well as the extension/flexion ROMs were observed in the C3 fractures comparing to the A3 fractures. Most of the patients achieved an excellent (n = 75) or good (n = 51) Gartland and Werley wrist score. Four patients with C3 fractures resulted in a fair functional outcome due to a significant loss of volar tilt during follow-up.Conclusions: The volar locking plate fixation provided sufficient stability for distal radius fractures with DMC, and resulted in similar radiological and functional outcomes in the intra-articular distal radius fractures with a simple articular component (C2 fractures) as those in the extra-articular fractures. Considering the intra-articular fractures with multifragmentary articular component (C3 fracture), despite of the subsequent loss of volar tilt, the majority of the patients achieved good to excellent wrist function following volar locking plating.Trial registration: Not applicable because the design of the study is retrospective.

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Comparison of functional outcome of extra-articular distal radius fractures treated by volar locking plate versus percutaneous pinning in adults-a retrospective study

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20211618 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 611

Author(s):

Shushrut B. Bhavi ◽

Amith Shanmukgouda Kallanagoudar ◽

Deepak Kaladagi ◽

N. B. Sanakal

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Dash Score ◽

Volar Locking Plate ◽

Percutaneous Pinning ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Plate Group

Background: Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in an adult population and accounts for 17.5% of all the fractures. The management of distal radius fractures remains debatable despite the availability of different methods of treatment. The aim of this study is to assess the functional outcomes of extra-articular distal radius fractures treated with percutaneous pinning or internal fixation with volar locking plate in adults.Methods: A retrospective study of 40 patients diagnosed with distal radius fracture with AO classification were treated either with percutaneous pinning (n=20) or open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plate (n=20) were included in study. DASH score and radiographs at 6th month was assessed for functional outcome and radiological union.Results: Mean age in plate group was 40 and 45 years in K wire group. The mean passive wrist ROM at the final follow-up evaluation in plate group was 63.8o extension and 70.5o flexion, 81.7o supination and 79o pronation, compared with 56.75o extension and 65.25o flexion, 74.7o supination and 85.5o pronation in patients treated with K wire group. Patients with plate group and K wire group had DASH score of 19.85 and 18.49 respectively (p=0.07) at 6 months follow-up.Conclusions: The use of ORIF with plate resulted in stable fixation of the unstable extraarticular fractures, allowing early post-surgical wrist motion and has good radiological outcome whereas K wire also has advantages of being minimal invasive, reduced hospital stay and minimal cost.

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Complications of Radial Column Plating of the Distal Radius

Hand ◽

10.1177/1558944718760861 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 614-619 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Samuel E. Galle ◽

Neil G. Harness ◽

Jacques H. Hacquebord ◽

Raoul J. Burchette ◽

Brett Peterson

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Normal Function ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Dash Score ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Outcomes Measures ◽

Valuable Adjunct ◽

Supplemental Fixation

Background: Distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation are commonly stabilized with a volar locking plate; however, more complex fracture patterns may require supplemental fixation with fragment-specific implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of distal radius fractures treated with radial column plates. Methods: A consecutive series of 61 patients who sustained distal radius fractures underwent radial column plating alone or in conjunction with other implants between August 2006 and January 2014. Thirty-one patients returned for follow-up or returned a mailed questionnaire at an average of 4.1 years. The outcomes measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH); and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores. Results: Sixty-one patients with a mean age of 55 years (range, 20-87) met inclusion criteria and were available for follow-up or chart review at an average of 5.2 years (range, 1.6-9.0 years). Seventeen of 61 (28%) underwent radial column plate removal. Twenty patients returned for final follow-up examination, and 11 completed questionnaires via mail. Subjective scores included a mean postoperative VAS of 0.72, DASH score of 17.2, and PRWE score of 15.7. Hardware sensitivity and wrist stiffness were the most common complications at final follow-up. Conclusions: Radial column plating of the distal radius is a safe treatment modality and a valuable adjunct in the setting of complex distal radius fractures, but patients should be counseled that there is a 28% chance that hardware removal may be required. Our retrospective review found evidence of few complications and objective scores consistent with return to normal function.

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Comparison of rehabilitation interventions in nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures

The Bone & Joint Journal ◽

10.1302/0301-620x.103b.bjj-2020-2026.r1 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Tim Coughlin ◽

Alan R. Norrish ◽

Brigitte E. Scammell ◽

Paul A. Matthews ◽

Jessica Nightingale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Dash Score ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Face To Face ◽

Significant Difference ◽

One Year

Aims Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, rehabilitation facilitated by advice leaflet and advice video were compared to a course of face-to-face therapy. Methods Adults with an isolated, nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture were included at six weeks post-cast removal. Participants were randomized to delivery of rehabilitation interventions in one of three ways: an advice leaflet; an advice video; or face-to-face therapy session(s). The primary outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at six weeks post intervention and secondary outcome measures included DASH at one year, DASH work subscale, grip strength, and range of motion at six weeks and one year. Results A total of 116 (97%) of 120 enrolled participants commenced treatment. Of those, 21 were lost to follow-up, resulting in 30 participants in the advice leaflet, 32 in the advice video, and 33 face-to-face therapy arms, respectively at six weeks of follow-up. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the DASH at six weeks (advice leaflet vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.69; advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.56; advice leaflet vs advice video, p = 0.37; advice leaflet vs advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.63). At six weeks, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures except for the DASH work subscale, where face-to-face therapy conferred benefit over advice leaflet (p = 0.01). Conclusion Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, offering an advice leaflet or advice video for rehabilitation gives equivalent patient-reported outcomes to a course of face-to-face therapy.

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