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

Hand Surgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (03) ◽  
pp. 357-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chul-Hyun Cho ◽  
Si-Wook Lee ◽  
Gu-Hee Jung

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.

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 698-706
Author(s):  
Tyler S. Pidgeon ◽  
Peter Casey ◽  
Rita E. Baumgartner ◽  
Harrison Ferlauto ◽  
David S. Ruch

Although volar locked plating (VLP) of distal radius fractures is common, complications remain a considerable concern for upper extremity specialists using modern techniques. Complications following VLP of DR fractures were recorded prospectively from January 2005 to January 2017. Fractures were characterized using the AO classification, and complications were described by severity. Severe complications required operative treatment and/or resulted in permanent impairment, moderate complications required nonoperative treatment, and mild complications resolved without intervention. The available Current Procedural Terminology data for uncomplicated VLP were used to calculate the complication rate. Statistical analysis compared severe and nonsevere complications. Thirty-seven patients (27 women; 39 radii) experienced complications following VLP of DR fractures, resulting in a complication rate of 13.2%. For those with complications, the mean age was 48.5 ± 13.5 years (range: 19-78 years) and the mean follow-up was 13.7 ± 9.0 months (range: 3-36 months). A majority (28/39: 71.8%) had type C fractures. The most common complications were hardware complication requiring removal (18) and malunion (6). There were only 3 tendon ruptures. There were 25 unplanned returns to the operating room in 24 radii (22 patients). The most common reason was removal of hardware (18). Patients with severe complications more commonly had AO type C fractures and required longer follow-up. Modern VLP of DR fractures has a complication rate of 13.2%. Hardware complication requiring removal was the most notable complication of VLP. Tendon rupture has become rare with modern techniques. AO type C fractures were associated with more severe complications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (01) ◽  
pp. 30-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Katayama ◽  
Hiroshi Ono ◽  
Shohei Omokawa

Background: This study aimed to identify the effect of the progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis on 5 years clinical and radiological outcomes after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods: Altogether, 56 patients with distal radius fractures were followed up 5 years after surgery. Clinical assessment was performed using the Mayo modified wrist score, a visual analogue scale of pain, the Japanese version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and Patient-related wrist evaluation. Standardized wrist radiographs were used to assess wrist morphology and the Knirk and Jupiter’s degree of osteoarthritis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze postoperative morphological changes in the wrist and carpal alignment regarding their correlation with progression of wrist osteoarthritis. Results: Progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis was recognized in 37 of the 56 cases (66.1%). Compared with the clinical outcomes at the time of the fracture union completion, almost clinical outcomes improved up to 5 years follow-up time as well as at 1 year after surgery. The range of wrist flexion at 5 years follow-up was significantly less in the progressive osteoarthritis group than in those with non-progressive osteoarthritis. The persistent step-off immediately after surgery significantly affected the postoperative progression of wrist osteoarthritis. Changes in the radial inclination, volar tilt, and radioscaphoid angle correlated with progression of wrist osteoarthritis. The highest correlation was with the change of radioscaphoid angle. Conclusions: Good clinical results were maintained at 5 years after surgery, but progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis interfered with improvement of wrist flexion. Change in the radioscaphoid angle was the factor that was most highly correlated with progression of postoperative wrist osteoarthritis.


Author(s):  
Gaetano Caruso ◽  
Francesco Tonon ◽  
Alessandro Gildone ◽  
Mattia Andreotti ◽  
Roberto Altavilla ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Distal radial fractures are common traumatic injuries, but their management remains controversial also in case of conservative treatment regarding the type of immobilisation. Hence, we conducted a two-arm, parallel-group, prospective randomised trial to compare the capacity of long casts (above-elbow) and short casts (below-elbow) to maintain the reduction of extra-articular distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement (AO/OTA classification: 2R3A2.2). Methods Seventy-four eligible patients with AO/OTA 2R3A2.2 fractures treated with closed reduction and cast immobilisation were randomised to the long cast group (n°= 37) or to the short cast group (n°= 37). Baseline radiological parameters, radial inclination (RI), radial height (RH), ulnar variance (UV) and palmar tilt (PT) were taken, and compared with clinical (DASH, Mayo Wrist and Mayo Elbow) and radiological scores taken at 7–10 days, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Furthermore, to evaluate correlations between radiological parameters and functional outcomes, patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not their radiological parameters at Follow-ups 2 and 3 were acceptable, i.e. within the range 11–12 mm for RH, 16°–28° for RI, − 4–+ 2 mm for UV and 0°–22° for PT. Results Patient demographic and baseline radiological parameters were similar between groups. At follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between the two types of cast in terms of RI, RH, UV or PT, or Mayo wrist or DASH scores. Short cast group patients displayed better Mayo elbow score at follow-up 2 (4 weeks), but this difference was no longer statistically significant at follow-up 3 (12 weeks). No statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between patients who presented acceptable radiographic parameters at follow-up and those who did not. Conclusion As there were no significant differences between short casts and long casts in terms of fracture reduction maintenance or clinical outcomes, short casts are an effective method of post-reduction immobilisation in AO/OTA 2R3A2.2 fracture of the radius. Radiological parameters outside the range conventionally considered acceptable do not preclude a satisfactory clinical outcome. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov PRS, NCT04062110. Registred 20 August 2019.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (04) ◽  
pp. 423-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Abe ◽  
Masahiro Suzuki ◽  
Hiromasa Wakita

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Liechti ◽  
R Babst ◽  
U Hug ◽  
B -C Link ◽  
B van de Wall ◽  
...  

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiyohito Naito ◽  
Yoichi Sugiyama ◽  
Mayuko Kinoshita ◽  
Hiroyuki Obata ◽  
Kenji Goto ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Treatment of volar-displaced distal radius fractures (DRF) accompanied by marginal rim fragment has recently been actively discussed. It is difficult to obtain a sufficient buttress effect on this fragment. Therefore, we actively apply a distal volar locking plate (DVLP) to fractures with this fragment. Here, we report the treatment outcomes and caveats of surgery of fractures with this fragment. Materials and Methods The subjects were 32 patients (male: 11, female: 21, and mean age: 59.4 years) with volar dislocated DRF accompanied by the marginal rim fragment treated using DVLP. The fracture type of AO classification was B3 in 6 patients, C1 in 12, C2 in 6, and C3 in 8. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 13.8 (12–30) months. The plate could be covered with the pronator quadratus muscle in surgery in all patients. On the final follow-up, visual analog scale score was 1.4/10, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 9.2/100, and the Mayo wrist score was 93.7/100. No complication was observed in the soft tissue, such as the nerves and flexor tendons. Conclusion The factor determining retention of the reduction position of the marginal rim fragment is a sufficient buttress effect, and DVLP is a useful implant in terms of this point.


Author(s):  
Stefan Benedikt ◽  
Peter Kaiser ◽  
Gernot Schmidle ◽  
Tobias Kastenberger ◽  
Kerstin Stock ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Recently, the Cobra prostheses were introduced in the treatment of distal radius fractures (DRF) of elderly patients. Fracture prostheses provide an alternative treatment option for complex fractures where conservative therapy seems not acceptable and osteosynthesis seems not possible. Data reporting the feasibility of the Cobra prosthesis are sparse. Therefore, this retrospective follow-up study investigated the clinical and radiological mid-term outcome of the Cobra implant in complex DRFs of elderly patients. Materials and methods Thirteen patients (mean age 73.5 years, range 65–87 years) were retrospectively evaluated with at least a 1-year follow-up after surgery. Objective and subjective clinical parameters as well as the radiological outcome and complications were analyzed. Results The mean follow-up period was 31.2 months. Seven cases required a cemented prosthesis. The mean relative range-of-motion compared to the healthy side was 72.3% and 51.8% for extension and flexion, respectively, and 87.9% and 85.7% for pronation and supination, respectively. The mean grip strength was 78.3% compared to the non-operated side. Eight patients were very satisfied, five patients were partly satisfied with the result. The DASH, PRWE, MHQ and Lyon-Scores averaged 39.1, 36.2, 64.9 and 63.3 points, respectively. The mean VAS-Score for pain was 1.1 at rest and 3.2 during activities. Perioperative complications included one dissection of the extensor pollicis longus tendon, one heterotopic ossification, one radiocarpal dislocation and two cases of an ulnar impaction syndrome due to implant subsidence. Conclusion The prosthetic treatment of complex DRFs in elderly patients with the Cobra implant led to clinically and radiologically satisfactory mid-term results. The Cobra prosthesis still does not represent a gold standard but can be regarded as a feasible salvage option for complex DRFs when osteosyntheses may not be possible and non-operative treatment will lead to further functional restrictions and wrist pain during performing activities of daily life in high functional demand patients.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e035370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter van Gerven ◽  
Johanna M van Dongen ◽  
Sidney M Rubinstein ◽  
Marco F Termaat ◽  
Mostafa El Moumni ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess the cost effectiveness of a reduced imaging follow-up protocol of distal radius fractures compared with usual care.DesignAn economical evaluation conducted alongside a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT).SettingFour level-one trauma centres in the Netherlands.Participants341 patients participated (usual care (n=172), reduced imaging (n=169)).InterventionsPatients were randomised to usual care (routine radiography at 1, 2, 6 and 12 weeks) or a reduced imaging strategy (radiographs at 6 and 12 weeks only for a clinical indication).Outcome measuresFunctional outcome was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) using the EuroQol-5Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L). Costs were measured using self-reported questionnaires and medical records, and analysed from a societal perspective. Multiple imputation, seemingly unrelated regression analysis and bootstrapping were used to analyse the data.ResultsClinical overall outcomes of both groups were comparable. The difference in DASH was −2.03 (95% CI −4.83 to 0.77) and the difference in QALYs was 0.025 (95% CI −0.01 to 0.06). Patients in the reduced imaging group received on average 3.3 radiographs (SD: 1.9) compared with 4.2 (SD: 1.9) in the usual care group. Costs for radiographic imaging were significantly lower in the reduced imaging group than in the usual care group (€−48 per patient, 95% CI −68 to −27). There was no difference in total costs between groups (€−401 per patient, 95% CI −2453 to 1251). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for QALYs was −15 872; the ICER for the DASH was 198. The probability of reduced imaging being cost effective compared with usual care ranged from 0.8 to 0.9 at a willingness to pay of €20 000/QALY to €80 000/QALY.ConclusionsImplementing a reduced imaging strategy in the follow-up of distal radius fractures has a high probability of being cost effective for QALYs, without decreasing functional outcome. We, therefore, recommend imaging only when clinically indicated.Trial registration numberThe Netherlands trial register (NL4477).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Newman ◽  
Amit Singh ◽  
Ashwanth Ramesh ◽  
Ebrahim Mahomed ◽  
Timothy Millar

Abstract Background: BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma & Orthopaedics) guidelines recommended that during the coronavirus pandemic most upper limb fractures should be treated conservatively, and removable casts should be used, where possible. As a result, our district general hospital started using a new soft combination (soft-combi) casting technique for conservative management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in an attempt to reduce follow-up attendances.Aims: To assess if radiological outcomes of soft-combi casts are better or worse than previously used rigid casts for DRFs.Methods: 20 DRFs treated with soft-combi casts were compared with 20 DRFs treated with the old rigid cast types. Radiological parameters were measured pre-manipulation, post-manipulation, at 2-week follow-up, and at final follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for significant differences seen at follow-up between the groups.Results: The mean loss of volar angulation seen at 2-week follow-up was 4.9 degrees for the rigid casts vs. 1.5 degrees for the soft-combi casts (p=0.158). The mean loss of radial height after 2 weeks was 0.2 mm vs 0.5 mm (p=0.675), and the mean loss of radial inclination was 2.0 degrees vs 1.0 degrees (p=0.349), respectively.Conclusion: The soft-combi casts appeared to be equally effective at maintaining the reduction of DRFs compared to their rigid counterparts, as no statistically significant difference was seen in our study. We can be reassured that continued use of these removable casts in the current climate is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on outcomes for DRFs.


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