Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Descriptive Study

Background: Disability of the upper limb is one of the consequences of distal radius fracture (DRF). The outcome of DRF treatment is based on objective clinical variables, as strength or range of movement (ROM); sometimes these variables do not correlate with the functional level of the patient. The principal objective of our study was to assess the repercussion of conservative treatment of DRF on upper limb disability. Methods: This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. We collected data of 61 nonconsecutive DRFs treated conservatively from July 2007 to August 2008. Results: Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score before fracture was 20.8 points; average DASH score after the fracture was 42.6. There was a significant increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up in the patients treated conservatively ( P < .001; size effect, 1.06). Average radial inclination, radial tilt, and radial length were 18.18°, 3.35°, and 5.76 mm, respectively. Average ROM for flexion-extension was 100.6° and for pronation-supination 144.0°. ROM for flexion-extension of the unaffected wrist was 128.2° and for pronation-supination 172.4°. We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in disability and the decrease in the ROM ( P > .05). We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in the disability and the worsening in the radiological parameters ( P > .05). Our results confirm the hypothesis that the conservative treatment of DRF produced an increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: Our study does not show a correlation between the increase in upper limb disability and the decrease in wrist ROM. Our study did not find a correlation between radiological measures and DASH scores.

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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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DORSAL PLATING FOR COMMINUTED INTRA-ARTICULAR FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL END OF THE RADIUS

Hand Surgery ◽

10.1142/s0218810404002194 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 09 (02) ◽

pp. 181-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

D. Osada ◽

K. Tamai ◽

A. Iwamoto ◽

S. Fujita ◽

K. Saotome

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Open Reduction ◽

Ulnar Variance ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Inclination ◽

Articular Fractures ◽

Radial Length ◽

Comminuted Fractures ◽

Dorsal Plating

Forty-one dorsally displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the dorsal Symmetry® plates. The average age at the time of the injury was 49 years. An average follow-up period was 15 months. The final radial length averaged 11 mm, radial inclination 23°, volar tilt 7°, ulnar variance 1.5 mm, and articular incongruity 0.3 mm. According to the Gartland and Werly scales, 36 fractures were excellent and five were good. However, ulnar variance increased more than 3 mm during follow-up in eight patients, and volar tilt increased more than 5° during follow-up in ten patients. Use of dorsal Symmetry® plate is effective for unstable comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, but severely comminuted fractures may possibly undergo re-displacement post-operatively.

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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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Below-elbow or above-elbow cast for conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement: a prospective randomized trial

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-019-1530-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gaetano Caruso ◽

Francesco Tonon ◽

Alessandro Gildone ◽

Mattia Andreotti ◽

Roberto Altavilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Randomised Trial ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Distal Radial Fractures ◽

Radiological Parameters ◽

Cast Group

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.

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The importance of radiological results in distal radius fracture operations: Functional outcome after long-term (6.5 years) follow-up

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312118776578 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 205031211877657 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

L Raudasoja ◽

H Vastamäki ◽

T Raatikainen

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Statistical Correlation ◽

Joint Surface ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radiological Results ◽

Hand Evaluation

Background and Aims: Whether or not radiological results correlate with functional outcome after operative treatment of distal radius fractures still remains controversial. We carried out a retrospective study to analyse the long-term (6.5 year) outcome of radius fractures treated by means of surgery in our hospital. The aim of the study was to explore whether step-off on radius joint surface, shortening of the radius versus ulnar height and dorsal or volar tilt of the radius correlate with long-term Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation or Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores among 100 consecutive patients after surgical treatment. Materials and Methods: Of these, 60 patients (63 wrists) participated. They were examined radiologically, clinically and by means of a questionnaire. Results: Shortening of the radius correlated significantly with both Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores. Step-off on the radius joint surface correlated significantly with worse PRWE scores, with no difference in Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand evaluation. Dorsal or volar tilt showed no statistical correlation (though it was mild in this group). The age of the patients (below 60 years vs 60 years or above) did not affect the PRWE or Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand results. Conclusion: Our results indicate that when it comes to conserving the radial height and congruence of the joint surface, the more precise the reduction of the fracture achieved by surgical means, the better the functional outcome.

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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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Intra articular distal radius fractures and volar plate fixation: a prospective study

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20171907 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 589 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Atin Kumar Kundu ◽

Nitin Wale ◽

Satyendra Phuljhele ◽

Deepak Ghritlahre ◽

Harjot Singh Gurudatta

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Fracture Pattern ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Range Of Movement ◽

Volar Approach ◽

Volar Plate Fixation

Background: 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.Methods: 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).Results: 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.Conclusions: 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.

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

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab202.059 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

R Liechti ◽

R Babst ◽

U Hug ◽

B -C Link ◽

B van de Wall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

The United States ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Outcome Analysis ◽

Dash Score ◽

Initial Operation ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Articular Fractures ◽

The Mean

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 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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