Condylar blade plate fixation of unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius

PURPOSE: To review the results of condylar blade plate fixation of unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius. METHODS: Twenty-four patients in whom a minicondylar blade plate was used to repair an unstable fracture of the distal ulna associated with a fracture of the distal radius were reviewed retrospectively an average of 26 months (range, 12-50 months) after injury. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were 1 simple fracture of the ulnar neck (Q2), 20 comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3), and 3 fractures of the head and neck (Q5). Subsequent surgeries included repeat fixation and autogenous cancellous bone grafting in 2 patients with nonunion of the distal radius and 1 with nonunion of the distal ulna. Seven patients had a second operation to remove the ulnar plate secondary to discomfort from plate prominence. RESULTS: The final average motion was as follows: degrees of flexion (range, 30 degrees-80 degrees), 52 degrees of extension (range, 40 degrees-90 degrees), 76 degrees of pronation (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees), and 70 degrees of supination (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees). Grip strength averaged 64% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 35%-100%). Final radiographic measurements included an average palmar tilt of the distal articular surface of the radius of 8 degrees (range, 0 degrees-20 degrees of palmar tilt), ulnar inclination of 21 degrees (range, 15 degrees-25 degrees), and ulnar positive variance of 1 mm (range, 0-4 mm). There were no problems related to the distal radioulnar joint. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were 6 excellent, 15 good, and 4 fair results at final evaluation. CONCLUSION: For unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius, condylar blade plate fixation can achieve healing with good alignment, satisfactory function, and an acceptable rate of secondary surgery.     

Dorsal plating for comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius.

Forty-one dorsally displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the dorsal Symmetry plates. The average age at the time of the injury was 49 years. An average follow-up period was 15 months. The final radial length averaged 11 mm, radial inclination 23 degrees, volar tilt 7 degrees, ulnar variance 1.5 mm, and articular incongruity 0.3 mm. According to the Gartland and Werly scales, 36 fractures were excellent and five were good. However, ulnar variance increased more than 3 mm during follow-up in eight patients, and volar tilt increased more than 5 degrees during follow-up in ten patients. Use of dorsal Symmetry plate is effective for unstable comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, but severely comminuted fractures may possibly undergo re-displacement post-operatively.     

Open reduction and internal locked fixation of unstable distal ulna fractures with concomitant distal radius fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results following locking plate fixation of unstable distal ulna fractures with concomitant distal radius fracture. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who had been treated with a locking plate for unstable displaced fractures of the distal ulna in which a concomitant ipsilateral distal radius fracture was also treated operatively. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed, and 5 patients were identified with an average age of 52 years (range, 47-61 years) and with follow-up averaging 11.6 months (range, 6-17 months). There were 2 open and 3 closed fractures. Included was 1 simple neck, 1 comminuted neck, 1 head, and 2 head and neck fractures of the distal ulna. All distal radius fracture implants were locked volar plates. RESULTS: All distal ulna and distal radius fractures united, and the average motion was: flexion 59 degrees ; extension 59 degrees ; pronation 67 degrees ; and supination 72 degrees . Average grip strength was 97% of the opposite extremity. Final ulnar variance averaged -0.4 mm (ulnar negative), radial inclination was 20 degrees , and volar tilt was 8 degrees . All distal radioulnar joints were stable. Two patients had mild, transient paresthesias of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve, and both patients recovered completely within 3 months. There were no subsequent surgeries or hardware failures. There were no infections and no wound problems. Based upon the Sarmiento modification of the Gartland and Werley rating score, there were 4 excellent results and 1 good result. CONCLUSIONS: Locked plating of unstable distal ulna fractures, in the setting of an associated distal radius fracture, resulted in union, good to excellent alignment and motion, nearly symmetric grip strength, and minimal transient morbidity.     

两种内固定治疗桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折的疗效比较

目的 比较采用桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板+尺骨茎突单皮质骨螺钉固定和单纯桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折的疗效.方法 将73例桡骨远端骨折伴尺骨茎突基底部骨折患者按治疗方法的不同分为观察组(采用桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板+尺骨茎突单皮质骨螺钉固定治疗,38例)和对照组(采用单纯桡骨远端掌侧锁定钢板治疗,35...     

Comminuted intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with rotation of the palmar medial articular fragment: case reports.

Two cases of comminuted intra-articular fracture of the distal radius with rotation of the palmar medial articular fragment are reported. In both cases the palmar medial articular fragment pivoted on the intact volar capsular attachments. This rare injury appears to be a variant of Barton's fracture and requires open reduction and internal fixation for accurate repair of the disrupted distal radial articular surfaces.     

陈旧性Barton骨折的治疗

目的 分析陈旧性Barton骨折的原因,探讨其检查与处理方法.方法 对16例陈旧性Barton骨折(掌侧骨折11例,背侧骨折5例),通过x线片检查并结合CT检查确定骨折的类型.关节面的移位程度和腕关节脱位程度.11例掌侧骨折采用掌桡侧切口T型金属板固定,5例背侧骨折采用桡骨远端背外侧切口有限内固定加外固定架固定.结果 术后随访时间为10～36个月,平均12.5个月.X线片显示骨折全部愈合,腕关节面掌倾角为10°～15°,平均11.3°;尺偏角16°～25°,平均20°;桡骨轴向无短缩.按Mehara功能评价:优13例,良2例,可1例;优良率为93.8%.结论 切开复位内固定术是治疗陈旧性Barton骨折的一种积极而有效的方法.CT检查对Barton骨折的诊断、了解关节面的移位情况、确定手术复位及固定可靠程度有一定的临床意义.     

Plating of the distal radius

Distal radius fractures are common injuries that can be treated by a variety of methods. Restoration of the distal radius anatomy within established guidelines yields the best short- and long-term results. Guidelines for acceptable reduction are (1) radial shortening < 5 mm, (2) radial inclination > 15 degrees , (3) sagittal tilt on lateral projection between 15 degrees dorsal tilt and 20 degrees volar tilt, (4) intra-articular step-off < 2 mm of the radiocarpal joint, and (5) articular incongruity < 2 mm of the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. Treatment options range from closed reduction and immobilization to open reduction with plates and screws; options are differentiated based on their ability to reinforce and stabilize the three columns of the distal radius and ulna. Plating allows direct restoration of the anatomy, stable internal fixation, a decreased period of immobilization, and early return of wrist function. Buttress plates reduce and stabilize vertical shear intra-articular fractures through an antiglide effect, where-as conventional and locking plates address metaphyseal comminution and/or preserve articular congruity/reduction. With conventional and locking plates, intra-articular fractures are directly reduced; with buttress plates, the plate itself helps reduce the intra-articular fracture. Complications associated with plating include tendon irritation or rupture and the need for plate removal.     

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

PURPOSE: Closing wedge osteotomies are an attractive treatment option for distal radius malunion in patients with osteopenia; however, they require an ulnar head resection to accommodate closure of corrective osteotomy and to address the issue of ulnocarpal abutment. The literature contains little information on concomitant ulnar shortening osteotomy despite a physiologic solution. We report the functional and radiographic outcomes of 5 patients treated for symptomatic distal radius malunion with simultaneous radial closing wedge and ulnar shortening osteotomies. METHODS: All 5 patients were women aged 52 to 69 years (average, 61 years). Four patients had extra-articular radius fractures with dorsal angulation (20-22 degrees ) and shortening (3-7/mm); the other had the fracture with volar angulation (24 degrees ) and shortening (11 mm). Through a volar approach an appropriate amount of bone wedge was removed from the distal radius. A small volar T-plate was used to secure the osteotomized bone fragment. Six to 11 mm of ulnar shortening osteotomy was performed by using transverse osteotomy and compression plating technique with an AO compression device. RESULTS: In all 5 wrists healing of radial and ulnar osteotomies occurred less than 3 months after surgery. There were no postsurgical complications. Postsurgical radiographs showed that the volar tilt angle of the radius was reduced to normal range (range, 8-15 degrees ) in all wrists. The ulnar variance was 0 mm in 4 wrists and 2 mm in 1 wrist. There were significant improvements in pain, function, and range of motion at an average follow-up evaluation of 17 months. The average grip strength as a percentage of the opposite side improved from 30% before to 73% after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that closing wedge osteotomy of the radius concomitant with ulnar shortening osteotomy is technically and functionally adequate. Our procedure is indicated for patients with osteopenia for whom opening wedge osteotomy of the radius is inadequate.     

Palmar locking plate for treatment of unstable dorsal dislocated distal radius fractures

Introduction This study investigates the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation of unstable distal radial fractures using a palmar placed interlocking plate system with no substitutes for treatment of the dorsal metaphyseal fracture void.Materials and methods Nineteen patients with a mean age of 61 years (range 49–78 years) and a dorsally displaced distal radial fracture were treated using a palmar placed 2.4 mm interlocking plate system. All 17 women and 2 men were followed up according to the study protocol. Standardised radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral projection were performed before reduction and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after surgery. Radiological measurements included palmar tilt, radial inclination and radial shortening as defined by ulnar variance and intra-articular steps. Clinical assessment included active range of motion (ARM) of the wrist, pain according to a visual analogue scale (VAS), grip power, working ability, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand-Score (DASH Score) and Mayo Wrist Score.Results At final follow-up after a minimum of 11 months, the palmar tilt was +1°, radial inclination 19.8° and ulnar variance 1.0 mm. Mean loss of palmar tilt measured 1.9°, radial inclination 1.3° and ulnar variance 0.4 mm. Mean wrist extension measured 58°, wrist flexion 41°, pronation 83° and supination 84°. The Mayo Wrist Score showed 21% excellent, 58% good, 16% fair and 5% poor results.Conclusion The treatment of unstable, dorsally dislocated, distal radius fractures AO types A3, C1 and C2, with a palmar placed 2.4 mm interlocking plate system and without additional treatment of the metaphyseal defects showed good radiological and functional results with minimal loss of reduction.     

Volar versus dorsal plating in the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures

PURPOSE: To compare the complications and functional and radiographic outcomes of volar and dorsal plating of intra-articular distal radius fractures. METHODS: This retrospective review included 34 patients found by searching a database of 350 patients treated for distal radius fractures. Inclusion criteria were (1) at least 1 year of follow-up data and (2) open reduction and internal fixation of a multifragmentary fragment intra-articular distal radius fracture with either a nonlocking volar or dorsal plate. Twenty patients were treated with a dorsal plate and 14 patients were treated with a volar nonlocking plate. Objective and subjective outcome parameters were compared between the 2 groups. Objective evaluations included wrist range of motion, grip strength, and preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters (radial inclination, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, fracture pattern). Subjective evaluations were performed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score and the Gartland and Werley score. RESULTS: Volar plating resulted in a significantly better Gartland-Werley score compared with dorsal plating. There were no significant differences in the DASH score.Volar collapse was documented in 5 of the 20 patients in the dorsal plating group, which resulted in a mild loss of pronation compared with the volar plating group. No collapse occurred in the volar plating group. In addition the difference in the percentage of wrist range of motion compared with the contralateral wrist was not significant. Dorsal plating was associated with a ruptured extensor indicis tendon in 1 patient; secondary surgical procedures were required in 4 patients (tenolyses and radial styloidectomy). Volar plating was associated with median nerve neuropathy in 2 patients and intersection syndrome in one. CONCLUSIONS: Although both groups of patients had similar DASH scores the functional outcome in terms of Gartland and Werley scores was better in the volar plating group. In addition there was a higher rate of volar collapse and late complications in the dorsal plating group compared with the volar plating group. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.     

Volar long locking compression plate fixation for distal radius fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal extension

Comminuted distal radial fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal extension are uncommon and remain a challenge to treat. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic and functional outcomes of treatment with the volar long locking compression plate (LCP) system for distal radius fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal extension. This retrospective study was performed on 22 consecutive patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with the application of a 2.4-mm-extra-long LCP volar distal radius plate. Patients were evaluated based on clinical signs and radiography studies. The average time to fracture union was 16 weeks. The volar tilt was restored to a mean of 10.1°. The radial length and radial inclination were restored to a mean of 12.8 mm and 23.6° at final follow-up, respectively. The mean loss of radial length was ?1.0 mm at final follow-up as compared with the contralateral extremity. The average ulnar variance was positive 0.1 mm at final follow-up with a congruent distal radioulnar joint. The degree of collapse after fixation between immediate postoperative and final follow-up visit was ?0.1 mm. Using the demerit-point system of the Gartland and Werley rating system, 14 results were rated as excellent, 5 as good and 1 as fair. DASH scores averaged 10.1 points. Based on our experience, the volar long LCP is useful in the management of comminuted fractures of the distal radius, in which there is proximal extension into the diaphysis and can avoid or minimize the complications of external fixation or dorsal bridging distraction plate.     

Les fractures intraarticulaires du radius distal à déplacement postérieur traitées par plaque palmaire à stabilité angulaire. Technique et résultats

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of locked palmar plating in patients with articular fracture of the distal radius.MethodsTwenty-two patients were reviewed retrospectively. The average age was 68 years. All fractures were classified as Type C according to the AO classification. Clinical and functional examination including range of motion, grip strength, pain and return to previous activities were assessed. Loss of radial height, radial inclination, palmar tilt and ulnar variance were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative radiographs.ResultsAt an average follow-up of 10 months, the range of motion was 124° in flexion and extension and 178° in pronation and supination. Grip strength was 80% of the opposite side. Fifteen patients were free of pain. Three patients suffered tenosynovitis of the extensor tendons. Radiographic measurements averaged 11 mm radial height, 21° radial inclination, 4° palmar tilt and 1 mm ulnar variance.ConclusionsThe result of this study showed that locked palmar plating of articular distal radius fractures is effective even in cases of metaphyseal comminution with a low rate of complications.     

Use of a distraction plate for distal radial fractures with metaphyseal and diaphyseal comminution

BACKGROUND: Distal radial fractures with extensive comminution involving the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction present a major treatment dilemma. Of particular difficulty are those fractures involving the articular surface. One approach is to apply a dorsal 3.5-mm plate extra-articularly from the radius to the third metacarpal, stabilizing the diaphysis and maintaining distraction across the radiocarpal joint. METHODS: Twenty-two patients treated with a distraction plate for a comminuted distal radial fracture were included in the study. With use of three limited incisions, a 3.5-mm ASIF plate was applied in distraction dorsally from the radial diaphysis, bypassing the comminuted segment, to the long-finger metacarpal, where it was fixed distally. The articular surface was anatomically reduced and was secured with Kirschner wires or screws. Eleven of the twenty-two fractures were treated with bone-grafting. The plate was removed after fracture consolidation (at an average of 124 days), and wrist motion was initiated. All patients were followed prospectively with use of radiographs, physical examination, and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores. RESULTS: All fractures united by an average of 110 days. Radiographs showed an average palmar tilt of 4.6 degrees and an average ulnar variance of neutral (0 degrees), whereas loss of radial length averaged 2 mm. Flexion and extension averaged 57 degrees and 65 degrees, respectively, and pronation and supination averaged 77 degrees and 76 degrees , respectively. The average DASH scores were 34 points at six months, 15 points at one year, and 11.5 points at the time of final follow-up (at an average of 24.8 months). According to the Gartland-Werley rating system, fourteen patients had an excellent result, six had a good result, and two had a fair result. Grip strength and the range of motion of the wrist at one year correlated inversely with the proximal extent of fracture comminution into the diaphysis. The duration of plate immobilization did not correlate with the range of motion of the wrist or with the DASH score at one year. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a distraction plate combined with reduction of the articular surface and bone-grafting when needed can be an effective technique for treatment of fractures of the distal end of the radius with extensive metaphyseal and diaphyseal comminution. A functional range of motion with minimal disability can be achieved despite a prolonged period of fixation with a distraction plate across the wrist joint.     

桡骨远端骨折对腕关节稳定性的影响

目的研究各型桡骨远端骨折导致的腕关节不稳手术与非手术治疗的临床疗效及对腕关节稳定性的影响。方法1999年1月至2006年9月桡骨远端骨折患者200例,采用AO分型,标准腕关节正侧位片测量桡月角、舟月角、桡骨远端长度、关节面落差、舟月近远侧间距。手法复位石膏外固定患者和桡骨远端切开复位内固定治疗患者进行比较,采用改良Gartland和Werley评分标准评定腕关节功能恢复情况,并进行统计学分析。结果临床平均随访时间5年2个月,结果发现舟月分离、背屈不稳、掌屈不稳、背侧偏移和掌侧偏移5种腕关节不稳;优良率为78％。桡骨远端长度缩短≥2．5mm与〈2．5mm的桡骨远端骨折患者腕关节不稳发生率比较,Fisher确切概率P〈0．01;桡骨远端关节面的落差≥2mm与〈2mm的桡骨远端骨折患者腕关节不稳发生率比较,Fisher确切概率P〈0．01。结论桡骨远端骨折对桡腕关节面、桡骨远端长度、掌倾角的恢复与患者的疗效密切相关,腕关节的稳定性依赖于骨性结构和周围韧带的完整性,腕关节不稳将严重影响腕关节功能。对于严重关节内的骨折应手术治疗解剖复位。     

Surgical correction of dorsally angulated distal radius malunions with fixed angle volar plating: a case series

PURPOSE: To report our experience using a fixed-angle volar plate in conjunction with a corrective osteotomy and cancellous bone graft for the treatment of distal radius malunions with dorsal angulation in 4 patients. METHODS: Four consecutive patients had a volarly based opening wedge osteotomy with a fixed angle volar plate and cancellous bone grafting for the treatment of a dorsally angulated distal radius malunion. Data collected retrospectively included a visual analog pain scale, grip strength, range of motion, radiographic parameters, and each patient's subjective functional outcomes as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Motion, strength, and radiographic values were compared with the contralateral arm for each patient. RESULTS: The average time from initial fracture to corrective osteotomy was 346 days. The average length of follow-up evaluation was 13.5 months. The flexion-extension arc of motion increased an average of 21 degrees to a value of 84% of the contralateral side; the pronation-supination arc of motion increased an average of 20 degrees to a value of 98% of the contralateral side. The average tilt of the radius improved from 26 degrees extension to 2 degrees extension; the average radial inclination improved from 22 degrees to 24 degrees; the average ulnar variance excluding the 1 patient who had a distal ulna resection improved from 5 mm to 1 mm. The average retrospective Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score improved from 30 to 7; the average retrospective visual analog pain scale score improved from 4.5 to 1. The average grip strength increased from 20 to 29 kg, which corresponded to 73% of the contralateral extremity. CONCLUSIONS: The rigid characteristics of fixed angle volar plates can provide an alternative to the traditional techniques of distal radius osteotomy including structural bone grafting and dorsal plate fixation or external fixation. In addition these plates are strong enough to allow for early postoperative motion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.     

Combined dorsal and volar plate fixation of complex fractures of the distal part of the radius

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the distal part of the radius that are associated with complex comminution of both the articular surface and the metaphysis (subgroup C3.2 according to the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures) are a challenge for surgeons using standard operative techniques. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with subgroup-C3.2 fractures that had been treated with combined dorsal and volar plate fixation were evaluated at an average of twenty-six months after the injury. Subsequent procedures included implant removal in twenty-one patients and reconstruction of a ruptured tendon in two patients. RESULTS: An average of 54 degrees of extension, 51 degrees of flexion, 79 degrees of pronation, and 74 degrees of supination were achieved. The grip strength in the involved limb was an average of 78% of that in the contralateral limb. The average radiographic measurements were 2 degrees of dorsal angulation, 21 degrees of ulnar inclination, 0.8 mm of positive ulnar variance, and 0.7 mm of articular incongruity. Seven patients had radiographic signs of arthrosis during the follow-up period. A good or excellent functional result was achieved for twenty-four patients (96%) according to the rating system of Gartland and Werley and for ten patients (40%) according to the more stringent modified system of Green and O'Brien. CONCLUSIONS: Combined dorsal and volar plate fixation of the distal part of the radius can achieve a stable, mobile wrist in patients with very complex fractures. The results are limited by the severity of the injury and may deteriorate with longer follow-up. A second operation for implant removal is common, and there is a small risk of tendon-related complications.     

Failure of a retinacular flap to prevent dorsal wrist pain after titanium Pi plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Patients with distal radius fractures that had been treated with a dorsal Pi plate and retinacular flap covering the transverse limb of the Pi plate were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Nine of 20 patients (45%) required plate removal for dorsal wrist pain. Three of the remaining 11 who retained the plate had dorsal tenderness over the wrist extensors. There were no differences evident between the 2 groups in plate size, position, or number of screws used. In addition there were no significant differences between the groups in either radial height or inclination. The palmar tilt did show a trend toward statistical significance: those patients who required plate removal had an average of 4.1 degrees of dorsal tilt, patients whose plate was not removed averaged 2.8 degrees of palmar tilt. Our results show that the retinacular flap covering the distal transverse limb of the Pi plate did not prevent the occurrence of dorsal wrist pain. Dorsal wrist pain remained a problem with dorsal plating of distal radius fractures.     

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.     

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.