scholarly journals The external fixation can be a good alternative to plate-screw treatment in the surgical treatment of bilateral distal radius fractures: A retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 406-413
Author(s):  
Mirza Zafer Dağtaş ◽  
Ömer Kays Ünal

Objectives: We aimed to compare the outcomes of two surgical treatment options, external fixator (EF) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), in patients with bilateral distal radius fractures (DRFs). Patients and methods: Twenty-one patients (11 males 10 females; mean age: 40.0±16.0 years; range, 20 to 67 years) who underwent ORIF (n=10) or EF (n=11) due to bilateral DRF at between January 2011 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) was used to calculate functional and symptomatic evaluation. The MAYO wrist scores were used to evaluate pain, functional status, ROM, and grip strength and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHOQ) was used to measure hand performance in daily life. Results: The operation time was statistically significantly longer in the ORIF group, compared to the EF group (p<0.001). Radial shortening was statistically significantly greater in the EF group, compared to the ORIF group (p<0.001). While the Q-DASH score was lower in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months (p<0.001, for each), it was similar between the groups at one year (p=0.507). The MAYO wrist score was higher in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months and one year (p<0.05, for each). While the MHOQ score was higher in the EF group on Day 15 and at one and two months (p<0.001, for each), it was similar between the groups at one year (p=0.557). Conclusion: In bilateral DRF cases, hand functions in the first two months after treatment were better in the EF group, compared to the ORIF group. This functional difference between the two groups gradually decreased in the first year and reached similar levels. Our results demonstrate that EF can be a good alternative in the surgical treatment of bilateral DRFs owing to its acceptable results, particularly in the short-term.

Author(s):  
Tim Coughlin ◽  
Alan R. Norrish ◽  
Brigitte E. Scammell ◽  
Paul A. Matthews ◽  
Jessica Nightingale ◽  
...  

Aims Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, rehabilitation facilitated by advice leaflet and advice video were compared to a course of face-to-face therapy. Methods Adults with an isolated, nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture were included at six weeks post-cast removal. Participants were randomized to delivery of rehabilitation interventions in one of three ways: an advice leaflet; an advice video; or face-to-face therapy session(s). The primary outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at six weeks post intervention and secondary outcome measures included DASH at one year, DASH work subscale, grip strength, and range of motion at six weeks and one year. Results A total of 116 (97%) of 120 enrolled participants commenced treatment. Of those, 21 were lost to follow-up, resulting in 30 participants in the advice leaflet, 32 in the advice video, and 33 face-to-face therapy arms, respectively at six weeks of follow-up. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the DASH at six weeks (advice leaflet vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.69; advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.56; advice leaflet vs advice video, p = 0.37; advice leaflet vs advice video vs face-to-face therapy, p = 0.63). At six weeks, there were no differences in any secondary outcome measures except for the DASH work subscale, where face-to-face therapy conferred benefit over advice leaflet (p = 0.01). Conclusion Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, offering an advice leaflet or advice video for rehabilitation gives equivalent patient-reported outcomes to a course of face-to-face therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034
Author(s):  
Sondre Hassellund ◽  
Zinajda Zolic-Karlsson ◽  
John Håkon Williksen ◽  
Torstein Husby ◽  
Jan Erik Madsen ◽  
...  

Aims The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 patients were randomized to each group. We prospectively collected data on resource use during the first year post-fracture, and estimated costs of initial treatment, further operations, physiotherapy, home nursing, and production loss. Health-related quality of life was based on the Euro-QoL five-dimension, five-level (EQ-5D-5L) utility index, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated. Results The mean QALYs were 0.05 higher in the operative group during the first 12 months (p = 0.260). The healthcare provider costs were €1,533 higher per patient in the operative group: €3,589 in the operative group and 2,056 in the nonoperative group. With a suggested willingness to pay of €27,500 per QALY there was a 45% chance for operative treatment to be cost-effective. For both groups, the main costs were related to the primary treatment. The primary surgery was the main driver of the difference between the groups. The costs related to loss of production were high in both groups, despite high rates of retirement. Retirement rate was unevenly distributed between the groups and was not included in the analysis. Conclusion Surgical treatment was not cost-effective in patients aged 65 years and older compared to nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in a healthcare perspective. Costs related to loss of production might change this in the future if the retirement age increases. Level of evidence: II Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1027–1034.


2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (05) ◽  
pp. 409-414
Author(s):  
J. Hill ◽  
Gabriel Bouz ◽  
Ali Azad ◽  
William Pannell ◽  
R. Alluri ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 365
Author(s):  
Min-Wook Kim ◽  
Choong-Young Kim ◽  
Dae-Hyun Yoon ◽  
Dae-Hee Kim ◽  
Jung-Ho Lee ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 2254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Halvachizadeh ◽  
Till Berk ◽  
Alexander Pieringer ◽  
Emanuael Ried ◽  
Florian Hess ◽  
...  

Introduction: It is currently unclear whether the additional effort to perform an intraoperative computed tomography (CT) scan is justified for articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to assess radiological, functional, and clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures when using conventional fluoroscopy vs. intraoperative CT scans. Methods: Inclusion criteria: Surgical treatment of DRF between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011, age 18 and above. Group distribution: intraoperative conventional fluoroscopy (Group Conv) or intraoperative CT scans (Group CT). Exclusion criteria: Use of different image intensifier devices or incomplete data. DRF classification according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Outcome variables included requirement of revision surgeries, duration of surgery, absorbed radiation dose, and requirement of additional CT scans during hospitalization. Results: A total of 187 patients were included (Group Conv n = 96 (51.3%), Group CT n = 91 (48.7%)). AO Classification: Type A fractures n = 40 (50%) in Group Conv vs. n = 16 (17.6%) in Group CT, p < 0.001; Type B: 10 (10.4%) vs. 11 (12.1%), not significant (n.s.); Type C: 38 (39.6%) vs. 64 (70.3%), p < 0.001. In Group Conv, four (4.2%) patients required revision surgeries within 6 months, but in Group CT no revision surgery was required. The CT scan led to an intraoperative screw exchange/reposition in 23 (25.3%) cases. The duration of the initial surgery (81.7 ± 46.4 min vs. 90.1 ± 43.6 min, n.s.) was comparable. The radiation dose was significantly higher in Group CT (6.9 ± 1.3 vs. 2.8 ± 7.8 mGy, p < 0.001). In Group Conv, 11 (11.5%) patients required additional CT scans during hospitalization. Conclusion: The usage of intraoperative CT was associated with improved reduction and more adequate positioning of screws postoperatively with comparable durations of surgery. Despite increased efforts by utilizing the intraoperative CT scan, the decrease in reoperations may justify its use.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Niraj Ranjeet ◽  
Pratyenta Raj Onta ◽  
Krishna Sapkota ◽  
Pabin Thapa ◽  
Krishna Wahegoankar ◽  
...  

Background: Distal radius fractures are one of the commonest injuries only after clavicle fractures. These fractures poses challenges to the treating surgeons as a result of which these fractures are sometime treated unacceptably and leads to poor outcome. Among various treatment options for these fractures wrist sparing Cobra external fixator is one of the options with an impressive stability and outstanding functional outcomes.Aims and Objectives: To determine whether this system can achieve adequate reduction of a variety of DRF, is able to maintain reduction despite hand and wrist movements, whether it compromises hand and wrist functions and leads to long term problems.Materials and Methods: From July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017, all skeletally matured patients with acute distal radius fractures (AO-A2, B1, C1, C2) were adequately reduced and fixed with Cobra ex-fix. Immediately post-op patients were encouraged to start range of motion of the wrist as the pain decreased. The patients were followed up in 2,4 and 8 weeks and were analyzed clinically, radiologically, their functional outcomes and any complications.Results: Twenty-two patients were included in our study. Nine were males and 13 were females. Using the AO classification, 15 were classified as A2, 2 were B1, 3 were C1, and 2 were C2. The mean number of weeks the cobra fixator was maintained was 5.3 weeks. The Cobra ex-fix was able to achieve excellent maintenance of radial height and radial inclination and good maintenance of dorsal tilt. Recovery of functional activities according to Gartland and Werley’s functional scoring system was good to excellent in all patients at 8 weeks follow-up.Conclusion: The Cobra external fixation system is an outstanding device for use in fractures of the distal radius. It achieves superior anatomic correction and is dependable in maintaining fracture reduction even with hand and wrist use.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.9(6) 2018 84-89


Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 155894471989003
Author(s):  
Nicholas C. Duethman ◽  
William R. Aibinder ◽  
Nathaniel L. Robinson ◽  
Steven L. Moran ◽  
Sanjeev Kakar

Background: There is limited literature regarding the treatment of concomitant scapholunate ligament (SL) injuries in acute distal radius fractures (DRFs). We hypothesized that surgical treatment of SL injuries in adult patients with DRFs leads to improved functional outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review was made of 42 adult patients who underwent surgical treatment of a DRF with a SL injury between 2005 and 2013. In all, 39 of the 42 patients sustained an intra-articular DRF (AO B or C). SL injury was diagnosed by SL diastasis > 3 mm on posteroanterior (PA) radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, or with wrist arthroscopy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 23 had a SL repair and were treated within 21 days of injury (acute), 8 underwent SL repair greater than 21 days from injury (subacute/chronic), and 11 did not undergo repair (non-operative). Median overall time to clinical follow-up was 5.1 years. Mayo Wrist Scores (MWS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were used to evaluate functional outcome. Results: Clinical outcomes measured by the MWS at final follow-up (6 months-12 years) showed no significant differences between the 3 groups. Of patients treated acutely, 17.3% had good to excellent MWS. MWS at 1-year follow-up was 68.4, 70, and 64 in the acute, subacute/chronic, and non-operative groups, respectively. DASH scores were 16.7, 14.3, and 11.8 in the acute, subacute/chronic, and nonoperative groups, respectively, at a mean of 7.8 years. Conclusions: At mid-term follow-up, all 3 treatment groups had similar DASH scores to the general population. There were no statistical functional differences between any of the groups based upon MWS or DASH scores.


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