Comparison of palmar fixed-angle plate fixation with K-wire fixation of distal radius fractures (AO A2, A3, C1) in elderly patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Goehre ◽  
W. Otto ◽  
S. Schwan ◽  
T. Mendel ◽  
P. P. Vergroesen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Fixed Angle ◽  
Operative Care ◽  
Wire Fixation

The objective of this prospective, randomized, controlled trial was to compare the results of two operative techniques used for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures in elderly patients classified as AO types A2, A3, and C1. Patients were treated with either fixed-angle volar plates or K-wires using a combined Kapandji and Willenegger technique. The functional results were determined after 3, 6, and 12 months. We included 40 patients aged over 65 years. Twenty-one patients were treated with plate fixation and 19 with K-wire fixation. The functional results, after 1 year, were nearly the same in both treatment groups, suggesting that either method is suitable for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures of AO types A2, A3, and C1 in elderly patients. Sixteen of 21 patients with plate fixation and 17 of 19 patients with K-wire fixation present good results as assessed by the Castaing score. The median DASH score was three in both groups after 1 year. The patients with plate fixation were able to resume activities of daily living 4 weeks earlier. The most common complication was an intermediate post-traumatic median nerve irritation. Both methods are suitable for the treatment of elderly patients with unstable distal radius fractures of AO types A2, A3, and C1. If early functional post-operative care is important, palmar fixed-angle plate fixation is an ideal treatment approach. Otherwise, K-wire fixation is an effective, minimally invasive method with comparable clinical results.

scholarly journals Minimising the risk of extensor pollicis longus rupture following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a cadaveric study

2011 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Perry ◽  
DMG Machin ◽  
JA Casaletto ◽  
DJ Brown
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Tendon Injury ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Extensor Pollicis Longus ◽  
Fixed Angle ◽  
Volar Plate Fixation

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

scholarly journals Immobilization following Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (05) ◽  
pp. 409-414
Author(s):  
J. Hill ◽  
Gabriel Bouz ◽  
Ali Azad ◽  
William Pannell ◽  
R. Alluri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate Fixation

Background No consensus exists regarding postoperative splinting position following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether immobilization in supination would result in superior outcomes compared with no restriction of forearm range of motion. Patients and Methods All patients >18 years of age with distal radius fractures indicated for volar plate fixation were eligible. Exclusion criteria were open fracture and concomitant injury to, or functional deficit of, either upper extremity. Patients were randomized to immobilization in (1) maximal supination with a sugar-tong splint or (2) no restriction of supination with a volar splint. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score; wrist range of motion; and grip strength were recorded at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. A Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of all outcome measures at each time point. Results A total of 46 patients enrolled in the study; 28 were immobilized with a volar splint and 18 were immobilized with a sugar-tong splint. Six-week follow-up data were obtained for 32 patients. There was no significant difference in PRWE, DASH, and VAS scores; or range of motion; or grip strength between the two groups postoperatively. Conclusion Range of motion, grip strength, and patient-rated outcome measures were similar regardless of postoperative immobilization technique in patients with a distal radius fractures stabilized with a volar plate. Surgeons can elect to use the standard-of-care postoperative immobilization modality of their preference following volar plate fixation without compromising short-term return to function. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, therapeutic study.

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 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

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.

USE OF THE VOLAR FIXED ANGLE PLATE FOR COMMINUTED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES AND AUGMENTATION WITH A HYDROXYAPATITE BONE GRAFT SUBSTITUTE

Hand Surgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (01) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Goto ◽  
Tsuyoshi Murase ◽  
Kunihiro Oka ◽  
Hideki Yoshikawa
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Bone Graft ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Bone Graft Substitute ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Ulnar Variance ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Fixed Angle ◽  
Radial Inclination ◽  
Metaphyseal Comminution

Treatment of distal radius fractures with a volar fixed angle plate achieves sufficient stabilisation and permits early physical exercise. However, secondary displacement after surgery sometimes occurs in elderly patients with a metaphyseal comminution and/or cases in which the subchondral support pegs were not placed immediately below the subchondral zone.We treated elderly patients suffering from distal radius fractures with metaphyseal comminution, using both volar fixed angle plate with or without augmentation with a hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute to investigate the benefit of augmentation for maintaining a fracture reduction. We evaluated the differences among radiographic parameters including palmar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance on immediate postoperative and final follow-up radiographs to analyse the maintenance of the initial reduction.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of palmar tilt (P = 0.80) and radial inclination (P = 0.17); however, ulnar variance increased significantly in the group treated with a volar fixed angle plate without augmentation (P < 0.05).It might be useful to use a combination technique of a locking plate system and the hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute as augmentation to treat distal radius comminuted fractures in elderly patients.

Distraction Plating for the Treatment of Highly Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
Leonid I Katolik ◽  
Douglas P Hanel ◽  
Daniel A Wartinbee ◽  
David Ruch
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Trauma Centers ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Radial Inclination ◽  
Internal Distraction

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the use of internal distraction plating for the management of comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures in patients over 60 years of age at two level one trauma centers. Our hypothesis was that distraction plating of comminuted distal radius fractures in the elderly would result in acceptable outcomes regarding range of motion, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and radiographic parameters and would thereby provide the upper extremity surgeon with another option for the treatment of these fractures. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed on 33 patients over 60 years of age with comminuted distal radius fractures treated by internal distraction plating at two level 1 trauma centers. Patients were treated with internal distraction plating across the radiocarpal joint. At the time of final follow-up, radiographs were evaluated for ulnar variance, radial inclination, and palmar tilt. Range of motion, complications and DASH scores were also obtained. Results Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 70 years were treated with distraction plating for comminuted distal radius fractures. At final follow-up, all fractures had healed and radiographs demonstrated mean palmar tilt of 5° and mean positive ulnar variance of 0.6 mm. Mean radial inclination was 20°. Mean values for wrist flexion and extension were 46° and 50° respectively. Mean pronation and supination were 79° and 77° respectively. At the final follow-up, the mean DASH score was 32. Conclusion In the elderly, distraction plating is an effective method of treatment for comminuted, osteoporotic distal radius fractures. Level of evidence Therapeutic, Level IV (Retrospective case series). Richard MJ, Katolik LI, Hanel DP, Wartinbee DA, Ruch D. Distraction Plating for the Treatment of Highly Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients. The Duke Orthop J 2013;3(1):93-98.

scholarly journals Plate Fixation for Unstable Displaced Distal Radius Fractures in Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 08 (05) ◽  
pp. 384-387
Author(s):  
Jeroen C. van Egmond ◽  
Caroline A. Selles ◽  
Berry I. Cleffken ◽  
Gert R. Roukema ◽  
Kees H. van der Vlies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Plate Fixation ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Volar Plate ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Plate Removal ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Volar Plate Fixation

Background Distal radius fractures in children are normally treated by plaster immobilization. For displaced unstable distal radius fractures, closed reduction and Kirschner wire (k-wire) fixation can be performed. Disadvantages of k-wire fixation are the need for postoperative plaster treatment for several weeks, which may induce stiffness, and the risks of complications such as tendon irritation and pin-track infections. More invasive volar plate fixation is less popular, although this allows for direct mobilization and enhances anatomical reduction. Purpose To present the functional outcomes of pediatric patients treated with volar plate fixation for unstable displaced distal radius fractures. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive pediatric patients between September 2010 and July 2017 was performed. A total of 26 patients with a median age of 12.5 years were included. The primary objective was functional outcome determined by the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire. Secondary objectives were range of motion, grip strength, radiological parameters, complications, and incidence of plate removal. Results Median PRWE score was 3 after a median follow-up of 29 months. Range of motion and grip strength did not differ significantly between the injured and uninjured wrists. No wound infections were found. Plate removal was performed in 15 patients (58%). Conclusion Volar plate fixation for unstable displaced distal radius fractures in children provides good functional and radiological outcomes with minor complications. Level of evidence This is a Level IV cohort study.

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