Locked volar plating for complex distal radius fractures: Patient reported outcomes and satisfaction

AbstractArticular distal radius fractures (DRFs) have increased in incidence in recent years, especially among the economically active population. Most of the treatment approaches are based on plain X- rays, and do not give us any information on how to treat these fractures. In the search for solutions with greater precision in diagnosis, in reducing the joint surface of the fracture, and envolving minimally-invasive techniques, we found arthroscopy as the main tool for these patients. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the biomechanics of the different types of fracture associated with ligamentous lesions should facilitate the right decision regarding the treatment. The present paper aims at providing a management-oriented concept to diagnose and treat ligamentous lesions associated with intra-articular DRFs based on a arthroscopy-assisted procedure, and showing the objective and patient-reported outcomes and a new classification. The objective and patient-reported outcomes were: the mean range of motion (ROM) was of 94.80% on the non-affected side; the mean score on the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) was of 3.6 (range: 1 to 12). The score on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was of 1.66 (range: 1 to 3). Complications were observed in 2 (13.33%) patients: extensor tendon synovitis in 1 patient, and a limitation (stiffness) in ROM in 1 patient, both treated with wrist arthroscopy release. The mean time until the return to work was of 6.4 weeks. In patients with unstable intra-articular DRFs associated with ligamentous lesions, the fixation of specific osseous-ligamentous fragments and ligamentous repair/reconstruction by wrist arthroscopy prove to be a safe and reliable treatment. The clinical and functional results predict that the patients can return to work more quickly.

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Polytrauma and High-energy Injury Mechanisms are Associated with Worse Patient-reported Outcomes After Distal Radius Fractures

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ◽

10.1097/corr.0000000000000757 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 477 (10) ◽

pp. 2267-2275 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Q. M. J. van der Vliet ◽

A. A. R. Sweet ◽

A. R. Bhashyam ◽

S. Ferree ◽

M. van Heijl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

High Energy ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Injury Mechanisms ◽

Patient Reported

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Comparison of fracture healing and long-term patient-reported functional outcome between dorsal and volar plating for AO C3-type distal radius fractures

European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00068-019-01100-w ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 591-598 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Paphon Sa-ngasoongsong ◽

Manuela Rohner-Spengler ◽

Dimitri E. Delagrammaticas ◽

Reto Hansjörg Babst ◽

Frank J. P. Beeres

Keyword(s):

Fracture Healing ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Patient Reported

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The CAST study protocol: a cluster randomized trial assessing the effect of circumferential casting versus plaster splinting on fracture redisplacement in reduced distal radius fractures in adults

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04238-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Britt Barvelink ◽

◽

Max Reijman ◽

Niels W. L. Schep ◽

Vanessa Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Closed Reduction ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Primary Study ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Cluster Randomized

Abstract Background There is no consensus concerning the optimal casting technique for displaced distal radius fractures (DRFs) following closed reduction. This study evaluates whether a splint or a circumferential cast is most optimal to prevent fracture redisplacement in adult patients with a reduced DRF. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of both cast types will be calculated. Methods/design This multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial will compare initial immobilization with a circumferential below-elbow cast versus a below-elbow plaster splint in reduced DRFs. Randomization will take place on hospital-level (cluster, n = 10) with a cross-over point halfway the inclusion of the needed number of patients per hospital. Inclusion criteria comprise adult patients (≥ 18 years) with a primary displaced DRF which is treated conservatively after closed reduction. Multiple trauma patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16), concomitant ulnar fractures (except styloid process fractures) and patients with concomitant injury on the ipsilateral arm or inability to complete study forms will be excluded. Primary study outcome is fracture redisplacement of the initial reduced DRF. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcomes assessed with the Disability Arm Shoulder Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score (PRWE), comfort of the cast, quality of life assessed with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, analgesics use, cost-effectiveness and (serious) adverse events occurence. In total, 560 patients will be included and followed for 1 year. The estimated time required for inclusion will be 18 months. Discussion The CAST study will provide evidence whether the type of cast immobilization is of influence on fracture redisplacement in distal radius fractures. Extensive follow-up during one year concerning radiographic, functional and patient reported outcomes will give a broad view on DRF recovery. Trial registration Registered in the Dutch Trial Registry on January 14th 2020. Registration number: NL8311.

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Ability of a Risk Prediction Tool to Stratify Quality and Cost for Older Patients With Operative Distal Radius Fractures

Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/2151459321999634 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 215145932199963

Author(s):

Abidemi Adenikinju ◽

Rachel Ranson ◽

Samantha A. Rettig ◽

Kenneth A. Egol ◽

Sanjit R. Konda

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Prediction Tool ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Moderate Risk ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Trauma Triage

Introduction: Distal radius fractures are the second most common fracture in the elderly population. The incidence of these fractures has increased over time, and is projected to continue to do so. The aim of this study is to utilize a validated trauma risk prediction tool to stratify middle-aged and geriatric patients with operative distal radius fractures as well as compare hospital quality metrics and inpatient hospitalization costs among the risk groups. Materials and Methods: Patients were prospectively enrolled in an orthopedic trauma registry. The Score for Trauma Triage in Geriatric and Middle Aged (STTGMA) was calculated using patient demographics, injury severity, and functional status. Patients were then stratified into minimal-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk cohorts based on their scores. Length of stay, need for escalation of care, complications, mortality, discharge location, 1-year patient reported outcomes, and index admission costs were evaluated. Results: Ninety-two patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty-three (68.5%) patients were managed with outpatient surgery. The mean inpatient length of stay for the high-risk cohort was 2.9x and 2.2x higher than the minimal and moderate-risk cohorts, respectively (2.0 + 2.9 days vs. 0.7 + 0.9 and 0.9 + 1.1 days, P = .019). There were no complications or mortality in any of the risk groups. No patients required intensive care and all patients were discharged home. There was no difference in readmission rates, inpatient cost, or 1-year patient reported outcomes among the risk cohorts. Discussion/Conclusions: The Score for Trauma Triage in Geriatric and Middle-Aged is able to risk-stratify patients that undergo operative intervention of distal radius fractures. Middle aged and elderly patients with isolated closed distal radius fractures can be safely managed on an outpatient basis regardless of risk. Standardized pathways can be created in the management of these injuries, thereby optimizing value-based care. Level of evidence: Prognostic Level III

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145 Outcomes of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures – A Meta-Analysis of Bridging External Fixation Versus Volar Plating

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab135.012 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

J Mulrain ◽

K Joshi ◽

F Doyle ◽

A Abdulkarim

Keyword(s):

External Fixation ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Introduction Distal radius fractures are common and trends for fixation have changed with increased use of volar locking plates in recent time. A meta-analysis will summarise the best evidence for treatment. Method A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA methodology to identify studies that reported clinical and/or radiological outcomes in patients with AO type C distal radius fractures when treated with external fixation versus ORIF. Results 10 randomised trials were included in this review, reporting on 967 patients. Clinical outcomes are in favour of volar plating at 3 months post-operation, but no difference between the two groups is seen at 6 or 12 months. Analysis of complication rates shows a minute increase in risk-ratio for volar plating versus external fixation. Subgroup analysis showed significantly higher re-operations after plate fixation and significantly higher infection after external fixation. Conclusions Internal fixation of complex distal radius fractures confers an improved clinical outcome at early follow up only and a minimally increased risk of complications. The improved grip strength with volar plating is only superior at early follow up and no long-term superiority is seen with either intervention. The type of surgery in this injury type therefore remains at the surgeon’s consideration on a case-by-case basis.

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Classification and Management of Failed Fixation of the Volar Marginal Fragment in Distal Radius Fractures

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1735885 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

M. Carolina Orbay ◽

Jorge L. Orbay

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Fracture Patterns ◽

Loss Of Reduction ◽

Operative Fixation ◽

Specific Fracture

AbstractGreater understanding of specific fracture patterns following distal radius fractures has arisen with the advent of volar plating. The volar marginal fragment (VMF) is a small peripheral piece of bone which is critical to carpal stability. Failure to achieve good fixation of the VMF can result in volar subluxation of the carpus and distal radioulnar joint instability. Due to its small, distal nature, this fragment can be easily missed and difficult to fix. Loss of reduction of the VMF following operative fixation presents specific challenges and surgical considerations dictated by patient characteristics and timing. Our goal of this review is to present a classification system for these failed VMFs which can help guide surgical treatment as well as expected outcomes.

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Intra-articular distal radius fractures in elderly patients: a randomized prospective study of casting versus volar plating

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193417727139 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 142-147 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Daniel Martinez-Mendez ◽

Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla ◽

Joaquin de-Juan-Herrero

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Articular Surface ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Loss Of Reduction

We compared outcomes in elderly patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures treated by closed reduction and plaster immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate. Ninety-seven patients older than 60 years were randomly allocated to conservative (47 patients) or surgical (50 patients) treatment. Over a 2-year period, we assessed patient-rated wrist evaluation score, DASH (disability arm, shoulder and hand) questionnaire, pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength, and radiological parameters. The functional outcomes and quality of life were significantly better after volar plating fixation compared with conservative treatment. We found that restoration of the articular surface, radial inclination, and ulnar variance affected the outcomes, but the articular step-off did not. Twenty-five per cent of the patients with conservative treatment had secondary loss of reduction. We conclude that surgical plating leads to better outcomes than conservative treatment for elderly patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures. Level of evidence: I

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