Palmar locking plates for corrective osteotomy of latent malunion of dorsally tilted distal radial fractures without structural bone grafting

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes following corrective osteotomy for nascent malunion of distal radial fractures with dorsal tilt using palmar-locking plates without using autologous structural bone grafting for dorsal cortex support. The fractures were dorsally angulated distal radial fractures (AO types A2, A3, and C1) with neglected or delayed treatment for 5 to 8 weeks. Fractures were repaired using 2.4-mm palmar locking plates. Dorsal cortical defects at the osteotomy sites were filled with incipient healing callus. Radiographs were obtained before correction and at 2 and 6 weeks and 3, 4.5, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Palmar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance were measured. There were no cases of loss reduction, implant failure, or delayed fracture union without structural bone graft and casting. Clinical assessments included active range of motion of the wrist and function based on the Mayo Wrist Score. Even with wrist immobilization for >1 month preoperatively, all patients had excellent Mayo Wrist Scores at 4.5 months due to early postoperative rehabilitation. No further changes were apparent between 4.5- and 12-month follow-up.The palmar locking plates provided sufficient stability for corrective osteotomy within 8 weeks of injury without the need for structural bone grafting. Furthermore, casting immobilization was also unnecessary, and a good wrist range of motion was restored early after rehabilitation.     

Locking versus nonlocking T-plates for dorsal and volar fixation of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures: a biomechanical study

PURPOSE: To see if locking volar plates approach the strength of dorsal plates on a dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture model. Volar plates have been associated with fewer tendon complications than dorsal plates but are thought to have mechanical disadvantages in dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures. Locking plates may increase construct strength and stiffness. This study compares dorsal and volar locking and nonlocking plates in a dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture model. METHODS: Axial loading was used to test 14 pairs of embalmed radii after an osteotomy simulating dorsal comminution and plating in 1 of 4 configurations: a standard nonlocking 3.5-mm compression T-plate or a 3.5-mm locking compression T-plate applied either dorsally or volarly. Failure was defined as the point of initial load reduction caused by bone breakage or substantial plate bending. RESULTS: No significant differences in stiffness or failure strength were found between volar locked and nonlocked constructs. Although not significant, the stiffness of dorsal locked constructs was 51% greater than that of the nonlocked constructs. Locked or nonlocked dorsal constructs were more than 2 times stiffer than volar constructs. The failure strength of dorsal constructs was 53% higher than that of volar constructs. Failure for both volar locked and nonlocked constructs occurred by plate bending through the unfilled hole at the osteotomy site. Failure for both dorsal locked and nonlocked constructs occurred by bone breakage. CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates failed to increase the stiffness or strength of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures compared with nonlocking plates. Failure strength and stiffness are greater for locked or nonlocked dorsal constructs than for either locked or nonlocked volar constructs. Whether the lower stiffness and failure strength are of clinical significance is unknown. The unfilled hole at the site of comminution or osteotomy is potentially a site of weakness in both volar locked and nonlocked plates.     

Outcome after corrective osteotomy for malunited fractures of the distal end of the radius

This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of corrective osteotomy for malunited distal radial fractures and investigated the influence of the radiological result on the clinical outcome. Twenty-nine patients underwent corrective osteotomy for malunited, dorsally tilted fractures of the distal radius and 20 underwent corrective osteotomy for malunited, palmarly angulated distal radial fractures. All were surveyed at an average of 18 months after surgery and assessed for: pain; grip strength; range of motion; radial tilt; radial inclination; and ulnar variance. Postoperative radial tilt, radial inclination and ulnar variance were significantly improved by corrective osteotomy. Patients with no, or only minor residual deformity after corrective osteotomy had significantly better results than those with gross residual deformity.     

An assessment of the results of corrective osteotomy for malunited fractures of the distal radius

INTRODUCTION: Malunion is the most common and serious complications after fracture of the distal radius. Alterations of the normal biomechanics affect function of the wrist, which is associated with pain, disability and, in longer perspective, with arthrosis. Reestablishment of the normal anatomic relationships by corrective osteotomy is one of the most effective ways to prevent this scenario. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients, 19 women and 6 men with the mean age of 50 years with malunited fractures of the distal radius underwent corrective osteotomy. Operations were performed at mean of 8 months after precipitated fracture and indications included pain, reduction of wrist movement, loss of grip strength and wrist deformity. Regarding to direction of the dislocation, operations were done through a dorsal (20 patients) or volar (5 patients) approach, post-osteotomy defect in the distal radius was flied with cancellous bone graft form the iliac crest in 20 patients or allogenous bone graft in 5 patients and bone fixation was done with K-wires In 18 patients or with T-plate in 7 patients. The results were assessed at mean of 2 years with two standardized questionnaires: Gartland-Werley and DASH. RESULTS: The average pre-operative DASH score was of 115 points (range 76-132) indicated severe disability of the hand. At the last follow-up assessment it decreased to a mean of 47 points (range 30-100) indicating statistically significant improvement the hand function. In Gartland-Werley scale, 9 patients (36%) achieved excellent, 11 (44%) good, 3 (12%) fair and 2 patients (8%) poor result. Two cases of poor results were caused by complications. Failure of the K-wires bone fixation with concomitant infection caused dislocation of the bone graft and collapse of the distal radius. In the second case, an allogenous bone graft did not heal, but disintegrated, what resulted in the total deformation of the distal radius.     

Corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius fractures

The malunion of the distal radius may result in shortening, radial impaction, volar angulation, dorsal displacement or rotatory deformity. For restoration, the anatomy and kinematics of the distal radioulnar joint and the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) are of importance. This nonunion consists of the articular disk, a meniscus homologue, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments. Malunion of the distal radioulnar joint leads to an increase in loading on the individual parts, as well as pain and a decrease in supination and pronation. Osteotomy is indicated if the angulation of the malunion is more than 20 degrees in the frontal or sagittal plane. Corrective osteotomy requires detailed preoperative planning with calculation of the correct position in all planes. The most common operation that has proved to be effective is osteotomy of the radius, insertion of a trapezoidal bone graft in place, and internal fixation with a dorsal or volar plate.     

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.     

Volar fixation for dorsally angulated extra-articular fractures of the distal radius: a biomechanical study

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical properties of 10 volar plate-fixation designs in 2 fracture models (dorsal wedge osteotomy, segmental resection osteotomy models). METHODS: Forty-eight radiuses were used in this study including 8 pairs. In 40 specimens a 15-mm dorsally based wedge osteotomy was performed and the volar cortex was fractured manually. They were arranged into 10 fixation groups with 5 different fixation designs (test 1). In the contralateral specimens of 8 paired radiuses a 10-mm segment of bone was excised (test 2). Four of the 10 fixation systems were chosen for these specimens. Cadaver hands and the proximal radiuses were potted in polymethylmethacrylate and tested with a servohydraulic materials testing machine with 300 N of axial compression load at 1 N/s initially and after each 1,000 cycles up to 5,000 cycles. After cyclic loading the specimens were loaded to failure in axial compression at 2 mm/min. The stiffness, failure peak load, and failure mode of each specimen were recorded. RESULTS: In test 1 in the wedge osteotomy specimens the T plate was the stiffest and the Synthes titanium plate was the least stiff; however, all specimens completed the 5,000 cycles of loading with no failures. There was no significant difference between the 10 fixation groups in failure peak load and only 7 of 40 failed at the distal portion of the hardware in the final load to failure testing. In test 2 the resection osteotomy specimens were less stiff and failed at a lower failure peak load compared with the wedge osteotomy specimens. Failure at the distal portion of the fixation system was seen in 7 of 8 specimens; nonlocking screws loosened and tines compressed the surrounding bone, resulting in tine-hole enlargement. CONCLUSIONS: All of the plate-fixation systems delivered sufficient stability to permit the simulated postoperative regimen of 1 week of immobilization followed by 5 weeks of early mobilization until expected union at 6 weeks after surgery. Based on these results a preferable volar fixation system would appear to benefit from the following: (1) sufficient plate strength to support the distal fragment from the volar side, (2) a locking system with sufficient strength to remain locked during the healing process, and (3) a distal design that does not affect the bone adversely. The anatomic reduction of the volar cortex in the wedge osteotomy specimens added stability to the construct.     

A biomechanical study of distal radial fractures

In an attempt to explain disability in dorsally angulated malunited distal radius fractures, an experiment was designed to evaluate load patterns about the wrist with varying degrees of dorsal angulation of the distal radius. Osteotomies were made in the distal radius of fresh cadaver arms after a modified external fixator was applied to the radius and load cells applied to the proximal radius and ulna. Pressure-sensitive film was inserted into the radioulnar carpal joint. After a predetermined load was applied to the wrist it was found that the load through the ulna increased from 21% to 67% of the total load as the angulation of the distal radial fragment increased from 10 degrees of palmar tilt to 45 degrees of dorsal tilt. The pressure distribution on the ulnar and radial articular surfaces changed in position and became more concentrated as dorsal angulation increased.     

Outcome after corrective osteotomy for malunited fractures of the forearm sustained in childhood

We analysed the operative technique, morbidity and functional outcome of osteotomy and plate fixation for malunited fractures of the forearm sustained in childhood. A total of 20 consecutive patients underwent corrective osteotomy of 21 malunited fractures at a mean age of 12 years (4 to 25). The mean time between the injury and the osteotomy was 30 months (2 to 140). After removal of the plate, one patient suffered transient dysaesthesia of the superficial radial nerve. The mean gain in the range of movement was 85 degrees (20 degrees to 140 degrees ). The interval between injury and osteotomy, and the age at osteotomy significantly influenced the functional outcome (p=0.011 and p=0.004, respectively). Malunited fractures of the forearm sustained in childhood can be adequately treated by osteotomy and plate fixation with excellent functional results and minimal complications. In the case of established malunion it is advisable to perform corrective osteotomy without delay.     

Corrective osteotomy for malunited extra-articular fractures of the distal radius: a follow-up study of 33 patients.

We present a series of 33 consecutive patients treated with lengthening osteotomy due to malunited extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Thirty-one patients were able for long-term follow-up a median (range) of seven (2-20) years after the procedure. The indication for reconstruction was mainly impaired function of the wrist. Both the anatomy and function were improved significantly postoperatively. The median radial length improved 5 mm, the radial tilt 25 degrees, and the radial inclination improved 9 degrees. The median improvement of forearm supination was 20 degrees, pronation 10 degrees, dorsal wrist flexion 10 degrees, and volar flexion 20 degrees. Twenty-two of 29 patients (76%) rated the functional results as good or excellent. The functional results were significantly better postoperatively, but the results were still better on the uninjured side. The grip strength on the operated hand was 82% of the uninjured hand, and the median postoperative DASH-score was 21. In five patients the graft resorbed (one fracture of the plate) and needed reoperation. All eventually healed and the anatomical and functional results were good. Another patient had symptomatic osteoarthrosis and later had a full wrist fusion. We conclude that every effort should be made to prevent malunion in the treatment of distal radius fractures, becauseeven after anatomical correction, function is not restored fully in all patients.     

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。     

Corrective osteotomy for malunited extra-articular fractures of the distal radius: A follow-up study of 33 patients

We present a series of 33 consecutive patients treated with lengthening osteotomy due to malunited extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Thirty-one patients were able for long-term follow-up a median (range) of seven (2–20) years after the procedure. The indication for reconstruction was mainly impaired function of the wrist. Both the anatomy and function were improved significantly postoperatively. The median radial length improved 5 mm, the radial tilt 25°, and the radial inclination improved 9°. The median improvement of forearm supination was 20°, pronation 10°, dorsal wrist flexion 10°, and volar flexion 20°. Twenty-two of 29 patients (76%) rated the functional results as good or excellent. The functional results were significantly better postoperatively, but the results were still better on the uninjured side. The grip strength on the operated hand was 82% of the uninjured hand, and the median postoperative DASH-score was 21. In five patients the graft resorbed (one fracture of the plate) and needed reoperation. All eventually healed and the anatomical and functional results were good. Another patient had symptomatic osteoarthrosis and later had a full wrist fusion. We conclude that every effort should be made to prevent malunion in the treatment of distal radius fractures, because even after anatomical correction, function is not restored fully in all patients.     

Realignment-lengthening osteotomy for malunited distal fibular fracture

Purpose

Persistent displacement of ankle fractures increases the stresses on the articular cartilage and leads to degenerative arthritis. Correction of the ankle mortise restores the normal ankle biomechanics and should prevent the development of degenerative joint disease.

Methods

Seventeen patients were treated for symptomatic ankle joint due to malunited distal fibular fracture. There were eleven male and six female patients. Their ages ranged from 23 to 54 years (median 34 years). The procedure included transverse fibular osteotomy for restoration of the lateral malleolar alignment, acute distraction of the osteotomy to restore the fibular length with interpositional graft and reduction of subluxation of the distal tibio-fibular articulation. Internal fixation of the osteotomy was performed with plate and screws and trans-syndesmotic screws.

Results

Fibular lengthening was performed in all cases and ranged from six to 12 mm (median eight millimetres). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score preoperatively ranged from 40 to 74 (median 60) and at follow up ranged from 50 to 95 (median 79). Progression of ankles arthrosis occurred in one patient leading to ankle arthrodesis as a secondary procedure. Results were satisfactory in 12 cases (70.6 %), and unsatisfactory in five cases (29.4 %) due to stiffness and pain in the ankle joint. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 45 months (median 31 months).

Conclusion

Corrective osteotomy of fibular malunion produces considerable improvement provided that the patient does not have significant degenerative changes before surgery. The use of athrodiastasis of the ankle as a secondary procedure may be of value to improve the outcome.     

Correction of malunited intra-articular distal radius fractures with an inside-out osteotomy technique

PURPOSE: To present an inside-out osteotomy technique under arthroscopic guidance to correct an intra-articular malunion. METHODS: The joint is explored with a 2.7-mm arthroscope through the standard portals without infusing any water. To allow room to introduce the curettes and the osteotomes (4-mm wide), the instrumentation portals are made slightly larger than usual. Malunited fragments are cut with the osteotomes from inside the joint and advanced out. Fragments are mobilized, and granulating tissue and/or new bone is removed with curettes and synoviotomes. After disimpaction and reduction, fixation with plates or screws via the appropriate open approach is performed under arthroscopic control. No water is used throughout the procedure except at the end of the surgery to clear out debris. RESULTS: Steps were corrected to 0 mm in all patients. Gaps of less than 1 mm were common. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure allows us to define each cartilage-containing fragment and to re-create the original articular fracture line without the fear of creating new fracture lines on the articular surface. This technique can be used for patients with irregularly defined fragments that are not amenable to classic techniques. The key to the procedure is to perform the arthroscopic exploration without water infusion (dry technique).     

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。