Dorsal locked plate fixation in dorsally unstable distal radius fractures

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.

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Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Hand Clinics ◽

10.1016/j.hcl.2021.02.008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 259-266

Author(s):

Lili E. Schindelar ◽

Asif M. Ilyas

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Plate Fixation ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures

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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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