Locking plates for corrective osteotomy of malunited dorsally tilted distal radial fractures: a biomechanical study

The purpose of the study was to compare the biomechanical properties of five different palmar fixation plate designs in a distal radius osteotomy cadaver model. A 1cm metaphyseal osteotomy gap was made to simulate a corrective osteotomy and the osteotomy plated. Axial load was applied to the distal end of each construct by a material testing machine under control of a motion analysis video system. The specimens were arranged into five implant groups of eight specimens each. No test group developed deformity and movement of the fracture gap greater than 2mm with a load of 100N. Increasing the load to 250N revealed statistically significant differences in stiffness and failure load between the different plates. Axial failure strength and stiffness were greater for the radial correction plates than for the other implants. The former may provide enough stability for corrective osteotomy of dorsally angulated distal radial malunions, even when the osteotomy gap is only filled with cancellous bone graft instead of cortical bone graft.     

Correction osteotomy of distal radius malunion stabilised with dorsal locking plates without grafting

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of our correction osteotomies of distal radial malunions without a bone graft. Eleven consecutive patients (mean age 52 years, range 18–71) were treated. A dorsal approach was utilised to perform an opening-wedge osteotomy which then was stabilised with two dorsal columnar plates without filling the osteotomy gap. All patients went on to radiographic union with a filling of the osteotomy gap within a mean period of 3 months (range 2–6 months). All patients had satisfactory results in terms of function and pain. Correction osteotomy and stabilisation with bicolumnar locked plate fixation without a bone graft provides sufficient stability to allow the highly vascularised metaphysis to heal. In patients without risk factors predisposing to non-union, this procedure is safe and feasible.     

Correction of dorsally-malunited extra-articular distal radial fractures using volar locked plates without bone grafting

Malunion is the most common complication of the distal radius with many modalities of treatment available for such a problem. The use of bone grafting after an osteotomy is still recommended by most authors. We hypothesised that bone grafting is not required; fixing the corrected construct with a volar locked plate helps maintain the alignment, while metaphyseal defect fills by itself. Prospectively, we performed the procedure on 30 malunited dorsally-angulated radii using fixed angle volar locked plates without bone grafting. At the final follow-up, 22 wrists were available. Radiological evidence of union, correction of the deformity, clinical and functional improvement was achieved in all cases. Without the use of bone grafting, corrective open wedge osteotomy fixed by a volar locked plate provides a high rate of union and satisfactory functional outcomes.     

Volar versus dorsal locking plates with and without radial styloid locking plates for the fixation of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures: A biomechanical study in cadavers

PURPOSE: To compare the stability and stiffness of dorsal and volar fixed-angle distal radius constructs in a cadaveric model. METHODS: A locking distal radius system was used in a combination of a dorsal and styloid plate (group 1), a single volar plate (group 2), and a combination of a volar and styloid plate (group 3) configuration. In addition a single volar 3.5-mm steel locking plate was used in group 4. Each construct was tested on 6 fresh-frozen radii with simulated unstable dorsally comminuted extra-articular distal radius fractures. Specimens were tested on a material testing machine with an extensometer and subjected to axial compression fatigue and load-to-failure testing. RESULTS: No construct failed in fatigue testing of 250 N for 5,000 cycles. Two specimens in each group were tested for 20,000 cycles without failure. The plastic deformation in the double-plate groups was lower compared with the single-plate groups, although the difference was not statistically significant. Group 1 had the highest and group 4 the lowest failure load and stiffness, respectively. The differences between group 1 and the other groups, except failure load compared with group 3, were statistically significant. Groups 2 and 3 had a significantly higher load to failure and group 3 had a significantly higher stiffness compared with group 4. CONCLUSIONS: All constructs offer adequate stability with minimal deformation on fatigue testing under physiologic conditions. Dorsal fixed-angle constructs are stiffer and stronger than volar constructs. The addition of a styloid plate to a volar plate did not significantly improve stability in this model of simulated extra-articular dorsal comminution loaded in axial compression.     

桡背侧双锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端不稳定骨折

目的 探讨桡背侧双锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法 2007年3月至2009年12月采用桡背侧双锁定钢板治疗22例桡骨远端不稳定骨折患者,男12例,女10例;平均年龄47.5岁(21 ～ 78岁)。骨折AO分型：A3型1例;B2型5例;C1型2例,C2型11例,C3型3例。其中5例术中采用自体髂骨植骨。术后评估包括影像学测量尺偏角、掌倾角及桡骨高度,关节活动范围,握力测量,肩臂手功能丧失量表( DASH)评分,以及Gartland-Werley量表评分。结果 22例患者术后获平均19个月（12～32个月）随访。所钉患者骨折均在术后6个月内（2～6个月）获愈合。影像学测量尺偏角平均为25.3°(22°～29°),掌倾角平均为12.1 °(8°～14°),桡骨高度平均为1.1 cm(0.8 ～ 1.3 cm)。Stewart改良评分的优良率为90.9％。关节活动范围：背伸平均为53°(30°～68°),掌屈平均为47°(32°～65°),尺偏平均为22°(16°～ 30°),桡偏平均为14°(11°～ 32°),旋前平均为76°(30°～ 90°),旋后平均为72°(10°～ 90°)。以健侧为参考,术侧握力平均为72％ (15 kg)。DASH评分平均为11.4分（0～70分）,Gartland-Werley量表评分平均为3.4分（1～16分）。结论 桡背侧双锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端不稳定骨折临床疗效较好,尤其是对于背侧皮质粉碎严重的患者,能够为骨折提供更加牢固的支撑。     

Palmar plating for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius

Extensor tendon rupture and irritation caused by implants or surgical intervention are serious complications in the treatment of fracture of the distal radius when a dorsal approach is used. To prevent complications, the dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius was treated using a palmar approach. The subjects were 18 men and 15 women with a mean age of 54 years at the time of the injury (range, 23-75 years). All the patients had internal fixation with a plate and screws using the palmar approach. Union was achieved in all patients. Radiographic parameters, including the palmar tilt, radial inclination, radial length, and ulnar variance have been maintained since the operation. According to the rating scale of Gartland and Werley, there were 12 excellent, 20 good, and one fair result. There were no extensor tendon injuries that occurred during use of the palmar approach in this small series of patients. Palmar plating can be safe and effective for treatment of a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius.     

Sliding osteotomy for deformity correction following malunion of volarly displaced distal radial fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome after a sliding osteotomy for deformity correction following malunion of volarly displaced distal radius fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review of a consecutive patient series. SETTING: A university-affiliated, tertiary-care center. PATIENTS/INTERVENTION: Ten patients with symptomatic distal radius malunion following a volarly displaced distal radial fracture (Smith's fracture) were treated with an oblique sliding osteotomy and plate fixation, through a volar approach, without using an iliac crest bone graft. Five men and five women with an average age of 41.9 years were followed for an average of 2.7 years postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Range of motion, grip strength, Fernandez wrist score, radiographic parameters. RESULTS: At latest follow-up, wrist extension improved from an average of 37 degrees preoperatively to 70 degrees postoperatively (P = 0.002), wrist flexion improved from an average of 40 degrees to 65 degrees (P = 0.012), and supination improved from an average of 31 degrees to 68 degrees (P = 0.002). Postoperative radiographs revealed an average deformity correction of 10.6 degrees of volar tilt, 7.7 degrees of radial inclination, 5.8 mm of ulnar variance, and 10.4 mm of volar translation. Using the Fernandez point score (0-20) system, the average overall score improved from 10.5 preoperatively to 17.6 postoperatively (P = 0.0001). Functional outcome was rated as excellent or good in 9 of 10 patients and fair in 1 patient (who experienced residual problems due to persistent ulnar-sided pain). There were two reoperations (one hardware removal, one distal ulnar hemiresection). CONCLUSIONS: This method reliably restores distal radial anatomy, decreases pain, and improves supination without requiring iliac crest bone grafting.     

Palmar plating with the locking compression plate for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius--first clinical experiences

Injuries and irritation of extensor tendons are common problems in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius when plating is used via a dorsal approach. By the development of locking compression plates the possibility of palmar plating for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius is available. In this study our first clinical experiences using the 3.5 mm radius locking compression plate (LCP) are reported. Between February 2002 and September 2002 24 patients with dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius were treated using a palmar approach with the LCP and included in a prospective study. The mean age of the patients was 52 years (28-87 years). Six weeks and six months after surgery a clinical assessment was done, the range of motion of the injured wrist was measured, and an X-ray control of the injured joint was performed. The preliminary results demonstrate the option of early functional treatment using the locking compression plate. Most of the patients had a good to excellent range of motion of the injured wrist which resulted in an early return to former activity. There were few intra- and postoperative complications. No irritation of the median nerve, no infection was observed. In one case a screw which was placed intraarticularly was removed prematurely. The palmar locking compression plate has been proven as a safe and effective implant for the treatment of dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius.     

Outcome of dorsally comminuted versus intact distal radial fracture fixed with volar locking plates

Objective

Distal radial fractures are common. Modern trends favour operative treatment in many instances, providing stable fixation and early functional recovery. Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that volar locking plates (VLPs) enable adequate stability for dorsally displaced fractures, both in dorsally intact (DI) and in dorsally comminuted (DC) fractures. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcome of these two fracture groups treated with a VLP.

Methods

Retrospective case-control analysis of 91 distal radial fractures treated surgically using VLP by a single surgeon between the years 2006 and 2008 was carried out. Fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthes/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. Based on initial pre-reduction X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, fractures were classified into two groups of DI and DC fractures. The patients were re-evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and 1 year.

Results

Forty-one fractures (45%) were dorsally comminuted. Patients in the DC group were significantly older (mean 59 vs. 46 years, p < 0.01) and included more female patients, as well as significantly more C3 type fractures than the DI group (p < 0.04). The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 1 year postoperatively was 6.3 ± 2.3 for the DC group, as compared with 6.6 ± 2.02 for the DI group (p = 0.64). Average time to return to work was longer in the DC group (81.2 vs. 63.6 days, p = 0.05). Range of motion, volar tilt, and radial inclination were within clinically acceptable values and did not differ significantly among the two groups.

Conclusions

VLP fixation of DC distal radial fractures results in the maintenance of reduction and comparable functional and radiographical outcome with respect to DI fractures.     

A new modification of corrective osteotomy for treatment of distal radius malunion

A new modification of corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion, which minimizes the need for bone grafting and addresses the constraining aspect of the extensor retinaculum, is described. This new modification uses a volar and dorsal approach to perform an angled step-cut osteotomy, release of the extensor retinaculum, and volar plating. The typically dorsally extruded comminuted fracture fragments from the distal, dorsal compression fracture component of the distal radius fracture is mobilized with the distal fragment and acts as a dorsal strut graft to span the opening wedge, corrective osteotomy. Therefore, this new modification facilitates and improves the realignment of the malunited radius, while minimizing or eliminating the need for bone grafting.     

Volar fixation of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures using the 2.4-mm locking compression plates

PURPOSE: To determine whether volar fixed-angle plate fixation with a new plate system could be used to treat dorsally unstable distal radius fractures. We hypothesized that volar fixed-angle plate fixation with or without radial styloid fixed-angle plate fixation would provide sufficient rigidity to allow early active range of motion without compromising fracture reduction. The initiation of early active motion may improve functional outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of one institution's initial experience using a new volar fixed-angle plate system to treat dorsally displaced intra-articular and extra-articular distal radius fractures. Thirty-two fractures in 32 patients with dorsally displaced distal radius fractures were treated with a volar fixed-angle plate with or without a radial styloid fixed-angle plate. Fractures were classified using the AO classification. Radiographic parameters on preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs were compared. The time to initiation of active range of motion was determined. Final follow-up ranges of motion and complications were reported. Finally, comparisons were made between the 23 fractures treated with a volar plate alone and the 9 fractures treated with a volar plate and a radial styloid plate. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 13 months. Two thirds of the fractures were intra-articular. Average loss of reduction from initial postoperative to final follow-up radiographs was 0 degrees of volar tilt, 1 degrees of radial inclination, and 0 mm of radial length. Active wrist and forearm ranges of motion were initiated at an average of 11 days after surgery. The final follow-up flexion-extension and pronation-supination arcs averaged 112 degrees and 151 degrees , respectively. The 9 fractures treated with the combination of a fixed-angle volar plate with a fixed-angle radial styloid plate had greater initial displacement than did the 23 fractures treated with a volar plate alone. Otherwise, differences between the 2 groups were not significant. Only 1 radial styloid plate became symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Volar plate fixation using a new fixed-angle plate system successfully can stabilize dorsally unstable distal radius fractures. Early active range of motion was facilitated without compromising fracture reduction.     

掌侧锁定加压钢板治疗桡骨远端背侧不稳定性骨折

[目的]探讨掌侧入路“T”形锁定加压钢板（T-LCP）治疗桡骨远端背侧不稳定性骨折的初期疗效。[方法]总结2003年9月～2005年11月经掌侧入路T-LCP内固定治疗桡骨远端背侧不稳定性骨折9例。男3例，女6例，年龄52～74岁，平均63．5岁。按AO分类标准：B2型2例，B3型1例，C1型2例，C2型3例，C3型1例，均为闭合性骨折。所有病例均采取掌侧入路，术中不显露背侧组织，骨缺损严重者置入人工骨（Osteoset）。[结果]9例全部获得随访，平均10．7个月（6～17个月）。X线片显示骨折全部Ⅰ期愈合，平均愈合时间为7周。1例骨缺损严重，术中置入人工骨（Osteoset）。所有病例均无感染、骨不连、钢板松动、腕管综合征、正中神经炎等并发症。术后功能康复时间6～29周，平均12．5周。术后第1d开始被动活动腕关节，1周后主动活动，功能锻炼。按改良的Mcbride腕关节功能评价标准：优7例，良1例，可1例，优良率为88．9％。[结论]经掌侧入路T-LCP治疗桡骨远端背侧不稳定骨折，内固定可靠，允许早期功能锻炼，疗效佳。     

掌侧钢板固定治疗不稳定的背侧移位桡骨远端骨折

[目的]初步探讨掌侧钢板（locking compression plate，LCP）固定治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折的方法及其效果。[方法]回顾性分析掌侧LCP结合克氏针撬拨、植骨等技术治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折35例，比较研究手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等，初步评价其临床疗效。[结果]经随访9-24个月（平均17个月），掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩均获明显改善，腕关节功能按Sarmiento标准评定，优20例、良12例、可2例、差1例。[结论]对不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折，掌侧LCP是一种安全有效的治疗方法，可有效防止复位丢失、减少结构性植骨、避免肌腱激惹等并发症。     

Simultaneous radial closing wedge and ulnar shortening osteotomy for distal radius malunion

Closing wedge osteotomies are an attractive treatment option for distal radius malunion in patients with osteopenia. It does not require a separate-site bone graft, result-ing in decreased morbidity. However, this procedure has always been performed in combination with ulnar head resection to accommodate closure of corrective osteotomy and to address the issue of ulnocarpal abutment. Because ulnar shortening osteotomy is more physiological solution, it seemed advantageous to us to combine radial closing wedge osteotomy and ulnar shortening osteotomy. In this article, we present in detail our technique for treating patients with distal radius malunion. The patients are potentially osteopenic such as women aged over 45 years and are active at home, work, and/or recreation but are not involved in heavy physical work. Through volar approach an appropriate bone wedge is removed from the distal radius. A small volar T-plate is used to secure the osteotomized bone fragments. The aim of the radial osteotomy is to correct the dorsal angulation in the sagittal plane within a normal range of 1 degree to 2 degrees with reference to that of opposite wrist. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is performed by using transverse osteotomy and compression plating technique with an AO compression device. The ulnar variance is adjusted to neutral. Although the technique presented requires the surgeons to use careful plate and screw technique, early results have been encouraging, and patients with osteopenia can be treated successfully. Decreased grip strength which may be provoked by shorting of the forearm is acceptable.     

桡骨远端掌侧解剖锁定接骨板治疗桡骨远端骨质疏松性骨折的疗效观察

背景：近年来桡骨远端掌侧（DVR）解剖锁定接骨板广泛应用于桡骨远端骨折的治疗,尤其是桡骨远端骨质疏松性骨折。目的：评价DVR解剖锁定接骨板治疗桡骨远端骨质疏松性骨折的临床疗效。方法：2009年5月至2011年12月共收治桡骨远端骨折87例,确诊为桡骨远端骨质疏松性骨折的29例行DVR解剖锁定接骨板掌侧入路固定。男11例,女18例;年龄56-78岁,平均63岁;骨折按AO分型：A2型3例,A3型6例,B1型1例,B3型2例,C1型6例,C2型7例,C3型4例;受伤距手术时间为1～12d,平均5d。结果：术后伤口均一期愈合,无一例出现术后感染。29例中21例获得随访,随访时间为12～20个月,平均14个月。影像学检查示均达到骨性愈合,愈合时间为12～18周,平均15周。末次随访时患者腕关节活动度：背伸41°～68°,平均52°;掌屈45°～78°,平均57°;旋前63°～86°,平均77°;旋后57°～80°,平均74°。末次随访采用Sarmiento改良Gartland＆Werley评分方法：优13例,良6例,可2例,差0例;腕关节VAS评分：腕关节完全无痛18例,轻度疼痛2例（评分为2分和2.5分）,中度疼痛1例（评分为4分）。无一例出现肌腱激惹;正中神经卡压1例,骨折愈合后6个月取出内固定并行松解术后症状完全消失;骨折背侧骨片移位1例,未对腕关节功能产生影响遂未予以处理。在背伸、掌屈、旋前、旋后4个方向的活动度比较,A型与B型骨折比较无统计学差异;A型与C型,B型与C型比较均存在统计学差异。结论：DVR解剖锁定接骨板板治疗桡骨远端骨质疏松性骨折可以获得良好的功能转归,C型骨折较A、B型骨折对腕关节活动影响更大。