Immediate mobilization of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar locking plate results in a better short-term outcome than a five week immobilization: A prospective randomized trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110366
Author(s):  
Stefan Quadlbauer ◽  
Christoph Pezzei ◽  
Josef Jurkowitsch ◽  
Brigitta Kolmayr ◽  
Daniel Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
One Year ◽  
Immediate Mobilization

Objective: To evaluate the impact of immediate (first day after surgery) mobilization compared to standard five weeks cast immobilization on the functional outcome after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Design: Prospective randomized parallel group comparative trial. Setting: Trauma Hospital, Austria. Participants: Patients with isolated unstable distal radius fractures, stabilized with volar angular stable locking plate. Interventions: The immediate mobilization group received a removable forearm splint for one week and active supervised group physiotherapy and home exercises for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers from the first postoperative day. The cast immobilization group received a non-removable cast for five weeks. In the first five weeks supervised group physiotherapy and home exercises were performed for shoulder, elbow, and fingers. Thereafter additional supervised and home exercises for the wrist were started. Main measures: At regular intervals of six and nine weeks, three and six months, and one year post surgery range of motion, grip strength, and x-rays were evaluated. Additionally, the shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand ( QuickDASH) score, Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation, Mayo Wrist score, and pain according to the Visual Analog Scale score were analyzed. Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively randomized into two study groups. At the one-year follow-up, patients in the immediate mobilization group showed a significantly higher range of motion in extension/flexion (mean difference 10.2°, 99% confidence interval 0.6–19.8), grip strength (mean difference 5.1 kg, 99% confidence interval −0.5 to 10.7), and Mayo Wrist score (mean difference 7.9 points, 99% confidence interval 2.3–13.5) than the cast immobilization group. Range of motion in supination/pronation (mean difference 13.4°, 99% confidence interval 1.5–25.3) and in radial/ulnar deviation (mean difference 6.3°, 99% confidence interval 0.9–11.7) differed significantly up to nine weeks favoring the immediate mobilization group. The Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation revealed significantly better scores after three months (mean difference 9.3 points, 99% confidence interval 0.5–18.1) and QuickDASH after six months (mean difference 7.3 points, 99% confidence interval 0.3–14.3) in the immediate mobilization group. All other subsequent follow-up examinations indicated no significant differences in respect of pain, range of motion, and patient-reported outcome measurements between the study groups. There were no significant differences in respect of radiological loss of reduction and complications between the groups. Conclusions: Immediate mobilization in combination with supervised physiotherapy of the wrist after volar locking plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures results in a significantly improved range of motion and grip strength after one year compared to cast immobilization. No increased risk for loss of reduction and other complications was observed.

Cast immobilization is non-inferior to volar locking plates in relation to QuickDASH after one year in patients aged 65 years and older: a randomized controlled trial of displaced distal radius fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (2) ◽  
pp. 247-255
Author(s):  
Sondre Stafsnes Hassellund ◽  
John Håkon Williksen ◽  
Marit Mjelde Laane ◽  
Are Pripp ◽  
Carina Paulsen Rosales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
Wrist Function ◽  
One Year

Aims To compare operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged over 65 years. Methods A total of 100 patients were randomized in this non-inferiority trial, comparing cast immobilization with operation with a volar locking plate. Patients with displaced AO/OTA A and C fractures were eligible if one of the following were found after initial closed reduction: 1) dorsal angulation > 10°; 2) ulnar variance > 3 mm; or 3) intra-articular step-off > 2 mm. Primary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) after 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were the Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), EuroQol-5 dimensions 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), range of motion (ROM), grip strength, “satisfaction with wrist function” (score 0 to 10), and complications. Results In all, 89 women and 11 men were included. Mean age was 74 years (65 to 91). Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operation with a five-point difference in median QuickDASH after 12 months (p = 0.206). After three and six months QuickDASH favoured the operative group (p = 0.010 and 0.030). Median values for PRWHE were 19 (interquartile range (IRQ) 10 to 32) in the operative group versus ten (IQR 1 to 31) in the nonoperative group at three months (p = 0.064), nine (IQR 2 to 20) versus five (IQR 0 to 13) (p = 0.020) at six months, and two (IQR 0 to 12) versus zero (IQR 0 to 8) (p = 0.019) after 12 months. Range of motion was similar between the groups. The EQ-5D-5L index score was better (mean difference 0.07) in the operative group at three and 12 months (p = 0.008 and 0.020). The complication rate was similar (p = 0.220). The operated patients were more satisfied with wrist function (median 8 (IQR 6 to 9) vs 6 (IQR 5 to 7) at three months, p = 0.002; 9 (IQR 7 to 9) vs 8 (IQR 6 to 8) at six months, p = 0.002; and 10 (IQR 8 to 10) vs 8 (IQR 7 to 9) at 12 months, p < 0.001). Conclusion Nonoperative treatment was non-inferior to operative treatment based on QuickDASH after one year. Patients in the operative group had a faster recovery and were more satisfied with wrist function. Results from previous trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly vary between favouring the operative group and showing similar results between the treatments. This randomized trial suggests that most elderly patients may be treated nonoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):247–255.

scholarly journals Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: Functional Outcomes and Complication Rates with a Minimum of One Year Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (05) ◽  
pp. 358-365
Author(s):  
Kastanis G ◽  
Pantouvaki A ◽  
Kapsetakis P ◽  
Spyrantis M ◽  
Magarakis G ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
One Year ◽  
Quick Dash

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common type of fractures of the upper extremities with an incidence of 44% of all types of forearm and hand fractures. In unstable DRF, the aim of surgical treatment is to restore a functional wrist. Volar locking plate is supported in literature as a promising surgical method in treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study is to analyze the type and complication rate with applied volar locking plate, the percentage of revision surgery and the functional outcomes in a minimum of one year follow up. Material &Methods: 104 fractures in 98 patients with a mean range of 48,5 years-old age underwent for unstable distal radius fractures with volar locking plate. The main cause was simple fall to an outstretched hand. In ten cases the fracture was open while in 28 cases the DRF was accompanied with ulnar styloid. All fractures classified by AO/OTA in A2-3 27 cases, B1-3 in 45 and C1-3 in 32 cases. The majority of patients were operated within 48-72 hours after injury. In all cases an extended flexor carpi radialis approach was performed and a volar locking plate was applied in all DRF’s. In sixteen cases with base of ulnar styloid fractures, low profile locking plates were applied, while in the rest of patients Kirschner wires were used. Postoperatively all patients followed a standard protocol rehabilitation program with passive and active motion of fingers and wrist. Results: Patients were evaluated according to complication (type and rate), time to fracture union, range of motion, Visual analogue pain scale, Quick Dash Score and patients-rated wrist evaluation score. Complications were distinguished in major and minor. Patients under 60 years-old with type fracture A2-3 and B1-3 showed better range of motion and grip strength than patients over 65 years old. In cases with type fractures C1-3 and age over 65 years old, ROM and grip strength decreased compared with the unilateral side. The percentage of complication and reoperation appeared more increased in type C1-3 related to the other two types of fractures. Finally the mean Quick DASH was 11,1±12,8, RPWE was 9.8±13,6 and the range of motion was in extension 75,2±7,3, in flexion 74±8,9, in pronation 85,6±1,9, in supination 88,5±2,4 in radial deviation 9,8±1,2 and in ulnar deviation 41,1±4,6 and grip strength was an average of 84,7% of uninjured hand. Conclusion: Unstable fractures required operative treatment with volar locking plate to be the gold standard in recently years. Unfortunately VPL presents postoperative complications related with plate and screw position with comminuted fracture or soft tissue damage which cannot be ignored, and for these reasons may be inadequate for all types of distal radius fractures.

Recovery of Wrist Function after Volar Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 199-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naohide Takeuchi ◽  
Shunsuke Hotokezaka ◽  
Takamitsu Okada ◽  
Hidehiko Yuge ◽  
Takao Mae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Wrist Function ◽  
One Year

Background: The purpose of our present study was to examine the recovery of the postoperative wrist function, and to compare the range of motion among each direction ofthe wrist joint during the same time periods after surgery for distal radius fractures.Methods: Twenty patients treated with a volar locking plate were evaluated. The active range of motion and grip strength were assessed at four weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and one year after surgery.Results: The ratio of the range of motion in pronation and supination recovered significantly earlier than for any other directions within six months after surgery (p = 0.0205), however, the ratio of the range of motion among the six directions was not significantly different at one year after surgery (p = 0.0823). The recovery of the range of motion in flexion was 96.8% compared with the contralateral wrist at one year after surgery, and it was not significantly lower than that in extension, radial deviation or ulnar deviation (97.8%, 93.5%, 94.4%, respectively). The grip strength of dominant hand recovered from 50% after four weeks to 66% after six weeks, 83% after three months, 91% after six months and 106% at the examination performed after one year compared with the uninjured non-dominant hand. The grip strength of non-dominant hand recovered from 52% after four weeks to 59% after six weeks, 79% after three months, 84% after six months and 94% at the examination performed after one year compared with the uninjured dominant hand. The mean DASH score was 5.3.Conclusions: The range of motion in flexion can achieve similar improvement to that in the other directions by obtaining the appropriate postoperative parameters. The optimal postoperative radiographic parameters were thus identified to be essential for successfully obtaining a recovery of the wrist function for unstable distal radius fractures.

COMPARISON BETWEEN CAST IMMOBILIZATION VERSUS VOLAR LOCKING PLATE FIXATION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES IN ACTIVE ELDERLY PATIENTS, THE ASIAN PERSPECTIVE

Hand Surgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Ho Chan ◽  
Tun-Lin Foo ◽  
Chong-Jin Yeo ◽  
Winston Yoon-Chong Chew
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization

Displaced distal radius fractures in active elderly patients with high functional demand present a clinical dilemma because current evidence is equivocal in the recommendation of treatment. Internal fixation is an increasingly popular option with proposed superior results. Our study aims to evaluate the results among a population of active elderly patients with displaced fractures managed with either cast immobilization or internal fixation with volar locking plate. Seventy-five patients (35 cast immobilization and 40 internal fixation) with mean age of 74 ± 7.5 years with minimum of 12 months follow-up were studied. The radiological and clinical parameters were assessed at three, six, and 12 months. Functional outcomes (DASH, Green-O'Brien) were assessed at 12 months. Patients who underwent surgery regain wrist motion and grip strength earlier, but this was not statistically significant after six months.

scholarly journals A Randomized Trial Assessing the Muscle Strength and Range of Motion in Elderly Patients Following Distal Radius Fractures Treated With 4- and 6-Week Cast Immobilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5774
Author(s):  
Jarosław Olech ◽  
Grzegorz Konieczny ◽  
Łukasz Tomczyk ◽  
Piotr Morasiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Cast Immobilization ◽  
The Mean

Background: There is no consensus among orthopedic surgeons as to the required period of cast immobilization in distal radius fractures in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to assess muscle strength and range of motion symmetry in elderly patients after distal radius fractures with different periods of cast immobilization. Methods: This study evaluated 50 patients (33 women and 17 men), aged over 65 years, after cast immobilization treatment for distal radius fracture. The mean age at the beginning of treatment was 71 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 1 year and 3 months. The first subgroup (n = 24) comprised the patients whose fractures had been immobilized in a cast for 6 weeks, another subgroup (n = 26) comprised the patients with 4-week cast immobilization. We assessed: 1) muscle strength, 2) range of motion. Results: The mean grip strength in the treated limb was 71% and 81% of that in the healthy limb in the groups with 4-week and 6-week cast immobilization, respectively (p = 0.0432). The study groups showed no differences in the mean grip strength in the treated limbs or the mean grip strength in the healthy limbs. The mean treated limb flexion was 62° and 75° in the 4-week and 6-week immobilization groups, respectively (p = 0.025). The evaluated groups showed no differences in terms of any other range of motion parameters. The grip strength and range of motion values were significantly lower in the treated limb than in the healthy limb in both evaluated groups. Only the values of wrist radial deviation in the 6-week cast immobilization group showed no differences between the treated and healthy limbs. Conclusion: Higher values of injured limb muscle strength and greater mean range of wrist flexion were achieved in the 6-week subgroup. Neither of the evaluated groups achieved a symmetry of muscle strength or range of motion after treatment. Full limb function did not return in any of the elderly distal radius fracture patients irrespective of cast immobilization duration.

Evaluation of Patient-Reported and Clinician-Reported Outcomes of Volar Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (03) ◽  
pp. 359-363
Author(s):  
Nana Nagura ◽  
Kiyohito Naito ◽  
Yoichi Sugiyama ◽  
Hiroyuki Obata ◽  
Kenji Goto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Clinical Evaluation ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Postoperative evaluation of wrist joint trauma is divided into patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinician-reported outcomes (CROs). We investigated the association of the Q-DASH score as the postoperative PROs and the Mayo wrist score as the postoperative CROs with clinical evaluation in patients with distal radius fractures surgically treated using a volar locking plate (VLP). Moreover, whether PROs and CROs are correlated to the clinical evaluation was investigated. Methods: The subjects were 109 patients surgically treated for distal radius fractures at our hospital between June 2013 and May 2017. Forty-one patients were male, 68 patients were female, and the mean age was 61.4 (19–86) years old. The fracture type was AO classification A type in 30 patients (A2: 25, A3: 5), B type in 5 (B2: 1, B3: 4), and C type in 74 (C1: 50, C2: 11, C3: 13). All patients were surgically treated using VLP. The range of motion of the wrist, grip strength the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Q-DASH score (PROs), and the Mayo wrist score (CROs) were investigated. Each evaluation was compared as the clinical outcome between at 3 months after surgery and the final follow-up. In addition, the correlations of the postoperative PROs and CROs with the clinical evaluation were analyzed. Results: Each evaluation was significantly improved compared with that at 3 months after surgery. There was a significant correlation between PROs and CROs at 3 months after surgery and the final follow-up. However, the range of motion of the wrists was not significantly correlated with PROs or CROs at 3 months after surgery or at the final follow-up. Conclusions: On evaluation after surgery for distal radius fractures, PROs and CROs improved early after surgery (3 months after surgery) before the final follow-up, and an inverse correlation was present between these scores.

scholarly journals Functional outcome of volar locking plate for unstable distal radius fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-44
Author(s):  
Bishnu Dev Sharma ◽  
Akesh Prajapati ◽  
Ananda Prasad Regmi ◽  
Jyoti Sitaula ◽  
Sujit Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Locking Plates ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Loss Of Reduction ◽  
One Year

Introduction: Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures in elderly. Unstable fractures are best managed surgically and the results of volar locking plates have been promising. The purpose of this study is to determine the functional outcome of volar locking plates in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: Forty-five patients with 46 unstable distal radius fractures were enrolled for this study, conducted at Chitwan Medical College from September 2016 to April 2017. All patients were treated with a 3.5mm titanium volar locking plate and followed-up for a minimum of one year. The assessment was done using radiological evaluation and Cooney modification of the Green and O’Brien scoring system. Results: Twenty-three men and 22 women with age ranging from 15-75 years (mean 43.22 years) were followed-up for an average of 16.53 months. There were 17 type A fractures (5 A2, 12 A3), 11 type B fractures (3 B1, 1 B2, 7 B3), and 18 type C fractures (4 C1, 12 C2, 2 C3) (AO classification). The mean time for union was 7.96 weeks. Functional outcome using modified Green and O’Brien Score was 20 excellent, 15 good, 7 fair and 4 poor results (76.1% good to excellent results). The overall complication rate was 15.22%. Conclusion: Volar locking plates provide adequate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures with minimal loss of reduction and satisfactory functional outcome.

Mid-Term Functional Outcome after Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 238-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haruhiko Shimura ◽  
Akimoto Nimura ◽  
Koji Fujita ◽  
Takashi Miyamoto
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Locking Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The volar locking plate is frequently used in the fixation of unstable distal radius fractures, but despite this there is a paucity of mid to long term outcome studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mid-term functional outcomes of elderly patients treated with a volar locking plate for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: Thirty-two patients with a mean age of 74.1 (range, 65–85) years were followed for a mean of 39.1 (range, 30–81) months. Patients with follow-up periods of < 24 months were excluded from this study to investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes. The Mayo wrist score (MWS), grip strength and wrist range of motion were retrospectively reviewed at 12 months, 24 months and the latest follow-up (mean 39.1 months). Osteoarthritis status according to the system of Knirk and Jupiter was assessed at 24 months. Results: Significant improvements in MWS and grip strength were observed between 12 and 24 months but not between 24 months and the final follow-up. There was no significant difference in wrist range of motion between 12 and 24 months. The MWS of 14 patients with radiographic signs of osteoarthritis was not significantly different from that of 18 patients without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. Conclusions: Elderly patients treated with the volar locking plate showed improved MWS and grip strength postoperatively after 12 months. Improvement in grip strength was slower than range of motion.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document