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

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.

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A modified intrafocal pinning technique with three‐dimensional planning to facilitate volar plating in dorsally comminuted AO/OTA C2 and C3 distal radius fractures

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04265-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xue-yang Gui ◽

Hong-fei Shi ◽

Jin Xiong ◽

Yi-xin Chen ◽

Jun-fei Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Preoperative Planning ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Dash Score ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Inclination

Abstract Backgrounds Theaim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a modified intrafocal pinningtechnique with three-dimensional (3D) planning to facilitate volar plating in dorsally comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures. Methods Intotal 35 AO/OTA type C2 and C3 fractures were finally included.The 3D digital model of the fracture was reconstructed based on preoperative computedtomographic (CT) images, with the displacement of the comminuted dorsalfragment and the intra-articular fragment analyzed for preoperative planning. During operation, amodified intrafocal pinning technique was applied percutaneously from thedorsal aspect of the radius to reduce the collapsed intra-articular fragmentfollowing volar plating. Adequate reduction was confirmed in all of patientsconsidering radial height, radial inclination and volar tilt in postoperativeradiographs. Results No significant fracture re-displacement wasobserved in most of the cases during a mean follow-up period of 17.4 months, exceptfor two patients withthe C3 fracture. All of the patients achieved adequate clinicalROMs at 12 months postoperatively, with a mean DASH score of 12.0. Most of the patients achievedan excellent (n = 21) or good (n = 12) Gartland and Werley wrist score. Conclusions Ourmodified intrafocal pinning technique with 3D planning contributes to a satisfactoryclinical and radiological outcome in dorsally comminuted intra-articular distalradius fractures fixed with a volar locking plate. Trialregistration Notapplicable because the design of the study is retrospective.

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

Hand Surgery ◽

10.1142/s0218810411005023 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 16 (01) ◽

pp. 29-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

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.

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Dual Plating Technique for Volar Rim Fracture of the Distal Radius Using DePuy-Synthes 2.0 m and 2.4 mm Locking Plates

The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume) ◽

10.1142/s0218810417500447 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (04) ◽

pp. 423-428 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yoshihiro Abe ◽

Masahiro Suzuki ◽

Hiromasa Wakita

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Ulnar Variance ◽

Locking Plates ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Inclination ◽

The Mean

Background: To assess the surgical results of distal radius fractures with the involvement of a volar rim fragment using the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates.Methods: Subjects were six women and one man of average age 57 years (range, 31–83 y) and a mean follow-up period of 9 months (range, 5–19 mo) with AO B3 (volar shearing) distal radius fractures. Time of the procedure, physical examination of wrist range of motion, grip strength compared with the contralateral healthy wrist, and radiographic evaluation (volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance) were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0 points represents no pain, 100 points represents the worst pain possible) and the Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH, 0 = no disability, 100 = extreme disability) were completed by patients at the final follow-up.Results: The average time of the procedure was 74 min. There were no perioperative complications. Average radiographic measures were: volar tilt, 8°; radial inclination, 23°, and ulnar variance, 0 mm. Wrist range of motion averaged 63° in wrist extension (range, 55–80°) and 55° in wrist flexion (range, 45–65°). Grip strength averaged 81% of the contralateral side at final evaluation (range, 67–100%). The mean QuickDASH score was 3.0 points (range, 0–9.1 points) and the mean VAS for pain was 9.3 at final follow-up.Conclusions: Open reduction internal fixation with the DePuy-Synthes 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm locking plates is an effective means of fixing a distal radius fracture that includes a volar rim fragment without interfering with flexor tendon gliding.

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The relationship between radiological alignment of united distal radius fractures and functional and patient-perceived outcomes in elderly patients

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery ◽

10.1177/2309499016684976 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 230949901668497 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Erik Hohmann ◽

Mahendrakumar Meta ◽

Vasudev Navalgund ◽

Kevin Tetsworth

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Grip Strength ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Ulnar Variance ◽

Pinch Strength ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Radial Inclination ◽

Perceived Outcomes ◽

The Relationship

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between radiological alignment and functional outcomes including strength, range of motion (ROM), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores in elderly patients with united distal radius fractures. Methods: We reviewed 118 patients (mean age of 76.2 ± 9.5 years, mean follow-up 36.3 ± 17.6 months). Outcome measures included the DASH and PRWE scores, ROM, and grip and pinch strength were measured using a validated mobile hand-held dynamometer. Radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance, and palmar tilt were measured on standard radiographs. Results: The mean total score for DASH was 4.9 ± 7.4 and 6.9 ± 11 for the PRWE. There were significant differences in ROM for palmar flexion and ulnar deviation between the affected wrist and the normal wrist. Linear regression revealed significant relationships for the following variables: between DASH and radiological palmar tilt, between PRWE and radiological palmar tilt, between grip strength and radial inclination, between grip strength and radial height, and between grip strength and ulnar variance. Conclusion: This study suggests that minor deformities of the distal radius following distal radius fractures treated with either operative or nonoperative treatment are unlikely to be clinically relevant and have no impact on patient perceived outcomes for elderly patients.

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A novel retractor-assisted closed reduction combined with percutaneous pinning fixation for the treatment of elderly distal radius fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-021-02556-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bin Zhao ◽

Wenqian Zhao ◽

Isaac Assan ◽

Zhenji Li ◽

Rongxiu Bi

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Closed Reduction ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

The Elderly ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Percutaneous Pinning ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Steinmann Pin

Abstract Background Percutaneous pinning fixation (PCP) has been used for the treatment of distal radius fractures for decades, especially in the elderly with fragile soft tissue. However, achieving and maintaining a sound anatomic reduction before PCP is difficult if we use the manipulative reduction method alone. Our study innovatively applied the Steinmann pin retractor for closed reduction combined with PCP, to provide a new protocol for the treatment of distal radius fractures. Methods From March 2017 to July 2018, 49 patients out of 57 that met the inclusion criteria but not the exclusion criteria were included in our retrospective cohort study. Sixteen patients were treated with Steinmann pin retractor-assisted closed reduction combined with PCP (S-PCP), and 19 patients were treated with the manipulative reduction combined with PCP (M-PCP), and 14 patients were treated with the manipulative reduction combined with cast splint (M-C). All these patients received a positive postoperative radiological and clinical evaluation. Results All the patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. The radiological parameters in each group improved significantly postoperative (posttreatment). In the S-PCP group, the values of radial height (postoperative, 13.33±1.74 mm; the first follow-up, 13.27±1.81mm; last follow-up, 13.16±1.76mm) and ulnar variance (postoperative, −0.10±1.29mm; the first follow-up, −0.05±1.27mm; last follow-up, −0.12±1.09mm) significantly improved as compared to the M-PCP and M-C groups. While the patients in the M-C group experienced significant re-displacement at the first and last follow-ups, in the S-PCP group, the range of wrist motion including extension (89.94±5.21%), radial deviation (90.69±6.01%), and supination (90.25±5.87%); ulnar deviation (89.81±5.82%) and QuickDASH score (2.70±3.64); and grip strength (92.50±5.59%), pronation (90.50±6.04%), and modified Mayo wrist score (90.94±4.17, the excellent rate reached up to 75%) also improved as compared to the M-PCP group, M-C group, or both groups at the last follow-up. Conclusion S-PCP improves fracture reduction and wrist function and can serve as an effective method for A2(AO/OTA) and A3 type of distal radius fractures in the elderly with limited dorsal comminution, including intra-articular fractures with displacement less than 2mm.

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A comparative study between variable and fixed angle volar locking plates in management of unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20204588 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 1222

Author(s):

Chhagan Lal Regar ◽

Siddharath Sharanappa Parmeshwar ◽

Ramesh Chandra Meena ◽

Shyoji Lal Sharma ◽

Jitesh Kumar Jain

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plate ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Fixed Angle ◽

Radial Inclination ◽

Variable Angle ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Background: The current study is conducted to assess and compare the radiological and functional outcomes between variable and fixed angle volar plating in unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures.Methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2018 to May 2020. A total of 156 patients were randomised into two groups A and B of 78 patients each. The plates were T or oblique fixed angle volar plate in group A and variable angle volar plate in group B. Patients were followed up for minimum 12 months. The functional outcome was measured by patient rated hand wrist evaluation score (PRHWE) and radiological outcome by radial height, volar tilt and radial inclination. The secondary objective was to correlate complications.Results: In our study average PRHWE score was better in group B (p<0.05). Radial height, volar tilt, radial inclination was much closer to anatomical wrist radiology was seen in group B. The most common complication was finger and wrist stiffness in group A.Conclusions: Patients treated with variable angle volar plate showed better results in functional and radiological outcomes at 12 months follow-up but limitations include short duration of follow up.

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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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