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.     

Resection of comminuted ulna head fragments with soft tissue reconstruction when associated with distal radius fractures

Acute management of fractures involving the head and neck of the distal ulna associated with comminuted unstable fractures of the distal radius remains difficult and controversial. Fifteen consecutive such cases treated with combined external and internal fixation together with primary resection of comminuted distal ulna fracture fragments and reconstruction of the periosteal sleeve and triangular fibrocartilaginous complex are reviewed. At an average follow-up of 5.8 years, all patients were assessed for range of motion, strength, pain and function, and radiographic appearance. All had a range of motion postoperatively of at least 85% of the opposite wrist in all planes. Average grip strength was 88.6% of the contralateral wrist. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated no evidence of instability in any plane. There were no cases of subluxation of the distal ulna nor collapse of the ulnar side of the carpus. Those 7 patients studied arthrographically demonstrated an intact "water-tight" ulna-sided soft tissue sling, and all distal radius fractures healed primarily.     

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.     

LCP distal ulna hook plate as alternative fixation for fifth metatarsal base fracture

Intramedullary screw fixation is the most common treatment for fifth metatarsal base fractures. Screw application does not achieve accurate reduction in fracture with small fragments, osteoporotic bone, or Lawrence zone 1 fractures, however. On the basis of similar anatomical architectures between the distal ulna and the fifth metatarsal base, the purpose of this study was to assess the results of a locking compression plate (LCP) distal ulna hook plate in stabilizing displaced zone 1 or 2 fifth metatarsal base fractures. Nineteen patients with Lawrence zone 1 (n = 12) or 2 (n = 7) fractures of the fifth metatarsal base were treated surgically with an LCP distal ulna hook plate. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically, and functional outcomes were graded by using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scoring system. Radiographic bony union was obtained in all patients, at an average of 7.4 weeks. The mean AOFAS midfoot score improved from 26 (range, 0–45) preoperatively to 94 (range, 72–100) points at the final follow-up. There were three patients with post-traumatic cubometatarsal arthrosis and one patient with sural nerve neuropraxia. In our experience, the distal ulna hook plate achieves a high rate of bony consolidation and anatomically suitable fixation in zone 1 or 2 fifth metatarsal base fractures. We also suggest that the LCP distal ulna hook plate should be considered as an alternative treatment in multifragmentary, osteoporotic, and tuberosity avulsion (zone 1) fifth metatarsal base fractures.     

Distal forearm fracture in the adult: is ORIF of the radius and closed reduction of the ulna a treatment option in distal forearm fracture?

INTRODUCTION: Distal forearm fractures in younger adults are rare injuries resulting from high energy trauma. Treatment options vary from cast fixation, external fixator, percutaneus pinning and open reduction and internal fixation. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 13 patients aged 18-59 from 1996 to 2005 with a distal unstable forearm fracture. All were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the radius. The ulna was stabilized either by an open reduction and internal fixation or by a closed reduction with or without pin fixation and cast fixation in all cases. At follow-up, we evaluated the radiologic results in terms of forearm fracture retention and functional outcome according to the wrist score by Krimmer. RESULT: Radial inclination amounted to 24 degrees at the injured side when compared to 27 degrees at the non-injured side, palmar tilt was 3 degrees versus 7 degrees and ulna variance was -2 versus -1 mm. According to the modified wrist score by Krimmer, seven excellent, two good and four fair results were achieved. The range of motion of the injured wrist joint was 149 degrees of rotation, in the sagittal plane 106 degrees , frontal plane 61 degrees and on the non-injured side rotation was 171 degrees , and movement in the sagittal plane was 146 degrees and 79 degrees in the frontal plane. Decreased forearm rotation (107 degrees vs. 162 degrees ) and decreased range of motion in the sagittal plane (77 degrees vs. 114 degrees ) were measured in patient following open reduction and internal fixation of radius and ulna compared to the outcome in patients with open reduction and internal fixation of the radius and closed reduction of the ulna. Grip strength of the injured side averaged 350 N versus 440 N which is 76% of that of the opposite side. All patients stated no pain at rest and some experienced slight pain at work. Three patients had an excellent performance at daily activities, nine patients presented problems with certain activities, and one patient showed severe limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of the radius is the keystone in treating distal forearm fracture. In case of stable retention of the ulnar head after closed reduction, cast fixation with or without percutaneus pin fixation is a sufficient method to treat unstable distal forearm fractures. In patients with remaining instability of the distal ulna fracture, ORIF is indicated.     

Attritional flexor tendon ruptures due to distal radius fracture and associated with volar displacement of the distal ulna: a case report.

Flexor tendon rupture following distal radius fractures are rare. In this report, a volarly displaced distal ulna that perforated the volar wrist capsule caused delayed flexor tendon ruptures 25 years after a distal radius fracture. The repair with free tendon graft and the excision of the distal ulna produced a successful result.     

桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节损伤的手术治疗体会

目的探讨桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节周围骨折或脱位的治疗方法,提高临床治疗效果。 方法回顾性分析本院自2012年1月至2016年10月收治的桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节脱位或骨折病例22例。22例桡骨远端骨折中13例伴尺骨茎突骨折,3例伴尺骨远端骨折,2例伴舟状骨骨折。22例肘关节周围损伤中5例为尺桡骨近端骨折,3例为肱骨远端骨折,14例发生肘关节后脱位。 结果所有患者均获得随访,术后平均随访时间为13.6个月（11~26个月）,所有骨折均愈合,未发生感染。Cooney腕关节评分平均为92.5分（55~100分）,其中优13例、良7例、中1例、差1例。Mayo肘关节功能评分平均为87.5分（50~100分）,其中优10例、良8例、中3例,差1例。其中1例就诊时已出现骨筋膜室综合征,尺神经、正中神经、桡神经均损伤,肌肉部分坏死切除,功能恢复较差。 结论桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节损伤多为高能量损伤,早期积极而恰当的处理能为患者二次手术提供良好的条件,结合积极的康复锻炼,能取得良好的治疗效果。     

Outcome Following Acute Primary Distal Ulna Resection for Comminuted Distal Ulna Fractures at the Time of Operative Fixation of Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius

Optimal acute management of the highly comminuted distal ulna head/neck fracture sustained in conjunction with an unstable distal radius fracture requiring operative fixation is not well established. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes following acute primary distal ulna resection for comminuted distal ulna fractures performed in conjunction with the operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. Between 2000 and 2007, 11 consecutive patients, mean age 62 years (range, 30–75) were treated for concomitant closed, comminuted, unstable fractures of the distal radius and ulna metaphysis. All 11 patients underwent distal ulna resection through a separate dorsal ulnar incision with ECU tenodesis following surgical fixation of the distal radius fracture. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were six comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3) and five fractures of the head/neck (Q5). Operative fixation of the distal radius fracture included volar plate fixation in four patients and spanning external fixation with supplemental percutaneous Kirschner wires in seven patients. At a mean of 42 months (range, 18–61 months) postoperatively, clinical, radiographic, and wrist-specific functional outcome with the modified Gartland and Werley wrist score were evaluated. At latest follow-up, mean wrist range of motion measured 53° flexion (range, 35–60°), 52° extension (range, 30–60°), 81° pronation (range, 75–85°), and 77° supination (range, 70–85°). Mean grip strength measured 90% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 50–133%). No patient had distal ulna instability. Final radiographic assessment demonstrated restoration of distal radius articular alignment. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were seven excellent and four good results. No patient has required a secondary surgical procedure. Acute primary distal ulna resection yields satisfactory clinical, radiographic, and functional results in appropriately selected patients and represents a reliable alternative to open reduction and internal fixation when anatomic restoration of the distal ulna/sigmoid notch cannot be achieved. Primary distal ulna resection with distal radius fracture fixation may help avoid secondary procedures related to distal ulna fixation or symptomatic post-traumatic distal radioulnar joint arthrosis.     

An irreducible Salter-Harris type IV distal ulna fracture

Epiphyseal fractures of the distal radius are common in children but those involving the distal ulna are rare. Distal ulna epiphyseal injuries are usually Salter-Harris type II and are usually reduced closed and held in plaster to produce good results. In this paper we describe a Salter-Harris type IV injury of the distal ulna epiphysis which required open reduction and internal fixation due to soft tissue interposition.     

腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折

目的 探讨腕关节镜监视下治疗尺骨茎突骨折的方法,以获得更好的治疗效果.方法 对15例尺骨茎突骨折的患者,在C臂透视机及腕关节镜监视下先将合并的桡骨远端骨折进行复位,经皮穿针内固定或切开复位钢板内固定,然后在腕关节镜下检查三角纤维软骨复合体(triangular fibrocartilage complex,TFCC)是否损伤,并作修整、清理等相应的处理,在关节镜监视下将尺骨茎突骨折复位,经皮作钢丝张力带内固定.结果 11例合并有TFCC损伤,经平均15.4个月的临床随访,X线片检查显示尺骨茎突骨折全部骨性愈合,骨性愈合时间平均5.2个月.按照Green-O'Brien功能评定方法进行腕关节功能评定,优良率为93.3%,无腕关节尺侧疼痛及腕关节不稳等并发症发生.结论 腕关节镜下治疗尺骨茎突骨折既可以对骨折进行有效的复位及固定,有利于骨折的愈合;又可以了解腕关节内TFCC等结构的损伤程度,便于早期处理,以免遗留慢性腕痛或腕关节不稳定.     

Surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with volar locking plates

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures does not always yield a satisfactory outcome. The several surgical strategies available have problems associated with them. This study was undertaken to determine if volar locking plate fixation could be useful for treating unstable distal radius fractures. METHODS: This retrospective follow-up study assessed 24 fractures in 24 patients with unstable distal radius fractures surgically treated with one of three volar locking plate systems. According to the AO classification system, 7 patients had type A3 fractures, 5 patients had type C2 fractures, and the remaining 12 patients had type C3 fractures. Radiographic measurements included volar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by active range of motion of the wrist and forearm, grip strength, Saito's wrist score, and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (JSSH version of the DASH). RESULTS: At the time of final follow-up (5 months minimum) the mean volar tilt was 8.1 degrees , radial inclination was 20 degrees, and ulnar variance was 0.4 mm. Mean wrist extension measured 61 degrees, wrist flexion 55 degrees, radial deviation 23 degrees, ulnar deviation 35 degrees, pronation 87 degrees, and supination 87 degrees. Grip strength recovered to a mean of 84% of the grip strength in the contralateral limb for patients who had injured their dominant hand and to a mean of 73% for patients who had injured their nondominant hand. Saito's wrist score calculations revealed 20 excellent and 4 good results. The mean DASH disability/symptom score was 9.9 points, and the mean DASH work module score was 8.2 points. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that unstable distal radius fractures could be successfully treated with volar locking plate systems.     

掌侧锁定加压接骨板治疗桡骨远端不稳定性骨折

目的评价切开复位锁定加压接骨板（LCP）内固定治疗桡骨远端不稳定性骨折的效果。方法对21例桡骨远端不稳定性骨折采用掌侧入路切开复位LCP内固定治疗。其中5例做了植骨。结果21例均获随访,时间6～19（13．0±3．9）个月,患者骨折均愈合。桡骨远端的掌倾角平均9．6°±3．7°;尺偏角平均21．4°±2,3°;桡骨短缩≥2mm2例,其余皆〈2mm;关节面移位均〈1mm。用改良的Gartland和Werley评分系统评估腕关节功能：优14例,良5例,中1例,差1例。结论切开复位掌侧LCP内固定是治疗桡骨远端不稳定性骨折的有效方法,辅以植骨能有效防止关节面塌陷和促讲骨折愈合。     

Intrafocal pin plate fixation of distal ulna fractures associated with distal radius fractures

Subcapital ulnar fractures in association with distal radius fractures in elderly patients increase instability and pose a treatment challenge. Fixation of the ulnar fracture with traditional implants is difficult due to the subcutaneous location, comminution, and osteoporosis. We describe an intrafocal pin plate that provides fixation by a locking plate on the distal ulna and intramedullary fixation within the shaft. The low profile and percutaneous technique make this device a useful alternative for treatment of subcapital ulna fractures in the elderly.     

A biomechanical comparison of fragment-specific fixation and augmented external fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures

The biomechanical stability of an internal fixation system that uses low-profile modular implants to stabilize individual fracture components was studied in a validated cadaver fracture model that incorporated physiologic muscle forces and wrist motion. Fragment-specific fixation with immediate range of motion was compared with static augmented external fixation in simulated, unstable 3- and 4-part intra-articular distal radius fractures (n = 20). Fixation was applied and specimens were loaded via their major wrist tendons. Because the wrist joint was not constrained in the internal fixation group, full wrist motion occurred during load application in these specimens. A 3-dimensional motion tracking system calculated individual fracture fragment motion in both groups. In the 3-part fracture pattern fragment-specific fixation showed comparable stability to static augmented external fixation despite the full wrist range of motion that occurred during application of load in these specimens. In the 4-part fracture pattern fragment-specific fixation was shown to be significantly more stable when compared with static augmented external fixation in 4 of 6 axes of motion. Our findings confirm the stability of this low-profile plating system and support the consideration of early wrist motion when treating complex, intra-articular distal radius fractures with fragment-specific fixation.     

Internal fixation after intra-articular fracture of the distal ulna

We describe a patient who sustained a displaced isolated intra-articular fracture of the distal ulna, causing limitation of rotation of the forearm. The extent of displacement of the fracture which was not evident on plain radiographs was revealed by CT. The fracture was reduced and internally fixed using a standard technique applicable to the fixation of fractures of the radial head. Full movement was restored. An isolated injury to the distal ulna is rare and requires careful clinical and radiological assessment.     

Acute dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint and distal ulna fractures

This article reviews acute dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and distal ulna fractures. Acute dislocations can occur in isolation or in association with a fracture to the distal radius, radial metadiaphysis (Galeazzi fracture), or radial head (Essex-Lopresti injury). Distal ulna fractures may occur in isolation or in combination with a distal radius fracture. Both injury patterns are associated with high energy. Outcomes are predicated on anatomic reduction and restoration of the stability of the DRUJ.     

桡骨远端骨折研究进展

桡骨远端骨折是人类最常见的骨折之一,尤其见于年轻男性和中老年女性。其分类方法很多,最常用的是以人名命名的方法和AO分类方法,以后者最为全面和完善,但一种显示骨折全貌的确切分型方法仍有待提出。近年来,随着腕部生物力学及显微解剖学的发展,对桡骨远端骨折的治疗研究日益增多。治疗的关键在于良好的固定复位。目前常用的非手术治疗方法包括闭合复位外固定,手术治疗方法包括经皮穿针术、外固定支架的使用、切开复位内固定以及骨或骨替代物的移植等。此外,腕关节镜辅助下复位固定、人工腕关节假体等新兴治疗方法也逐渐成为研究热点。但任何一种单独的方法都不能处理全部的桡骨远端骨折,应当根据每个患者的自身骨折特点,选择正确的治疗方法,制定个性化的治疗方案,使治疗效果达到最好。本文从流行病学、分型以及治疗方法三方面,就目前桡骨远端骨折的研究状况作一综述。     

Volar fixation of distal radial fracture using compression plate: clinical and radiographic evaluation of 20 patients

Distal radius fractures can be treated with different methods, depending on the type of fracture and, on our experience, according to the Fernandez algorithm. The report presents our experience treating distal radius fractures using a volar plate. We reviewed retrospectively 20 patients treated, during a period of 3 years (May 2008–May 2011) at our center, for unstable distal radius fractures using a volar plate. All patients were reviewed by thorough clinical examination and standard radiographs of the operated wrist. For the clinical evaluation, we used Mayo Wrist Score and DASH Score. At review, the injured wrist had recovered an average range of motion in flexion–extension of 120°, and the grip strength was an average of 50 % compared to contralateral side. Overall, results at Mayo Wrist Score were good to excellent in 30 %, satisfactory in 55 %, and poor in 15 %; results at DASH Score were good to excellent in 90 %, satisfactory in 10 % with no poor case. The majority of patients were fully satisfied with the results (65 %), 20 % of patients were partially satisfied, 5 % were poorly satisfied, and 10 % were not satisfied. At review, 4 patients reported the presence of transient paresthesia localized to the first three rays of the hand. At radiographic evaluation, the majority of patients had a radial tilt between 20 and 23, ulnar variance between 0 and 3, and dorsal tilt between 9 and 14. The treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with a volar plate provided stable internal fixation and allowed early function and was associated with a low complication rate.     

DVR解剖钢板治疗桡骨远端不稳定骨折

目的探讨应用掌侧入路桡骨远端掌侧（distalvolarradius,DVR）解剖钢板治疗桡骨远端不稳定骨折的疗效。方法采用掌侧入路,DVR解剖钢板内固定桡骨远端不稳定骨折46例,随访观察骨折愈合时间,有无内固定松动、断裂、感染等并发症发生。结果46例获3-14个月随访,所有骨折均获得骨性愈合．无以上并发症。按照Dienst腕关节功能评价标准进行功能评价,优35例,良7例,可4例,优良率为91．3％。结论掌侧入路应用DVR解剖钢板治疗桡骨远端不稳定性骨折具有操作方便快捷,双层螺钉立体支撑软骨面．最大强度固定骨折,可早期功能锻炼、并发症少等特点,是目前治疗桡骨远端不稳定骨折的最理想内固定材料。     

动力跨关节型外固定架在不稳定性桡骨远端骨折中的应用

目的 探讨手法复位或辅以有限内固定结合动力跨关节型外固定架跨腕关节固定治疗不稳定性桡骨远端骨折的效果.方法 应用手法复位或辅以内固定结合动力跨关节型外固定架跨腕关节固定治疗35例不稳定性桡骨远端骨折,骨折愈合后拆除外固定架.结果 随访6～16个月,骨折愈合时间7～9周.最后一次随访时,按Cooney腕关节评分系统(包括疼痛、功能状况、腕关节活动度、握力):优18例,良14例,可1例,优良率为91.4%.结论 手法复位或辅以有限内固定结合动力跨关节型外固定架跨腕关节固定治疗桡骨远端骨折既能使骨折复位、固定满意,又有利于术后早期手和腕部的功能康复锻炼,是治疗不稳定性桡骨远端骨折的有效方法.