Volar locking plates versus Kirschner wires for distal radial fractures—A cost analysis study

Background

There is an increasing trend for managing dorsally angulated distal radial fractures with locked volar plate fixation in fractures that may have previously been managed with percutaneous Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. There has been no prospective randomised trial comparing locked volar plate fixation with percutaneous K-wire fixation. In the absence of data guiding management with regard to clinical effectiveness, we have examined the cost of each technique.

Methods

Patients’ details were collected retrospectively between June 2007 and June 2008. Ten consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous K-wire fixation for a distal radius fracture and the 10 who were treated by locked volar plate fixation were identified and their hospital notes retrieved. All patients had a closed extra-articular distal radial fracture with dorsal angulation. The duration and type of operation, including number of wires or screws used, were recorded.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 54 years for the locking plate group and 34 years for the percutaneous K-wire group. The mean time taken to perform percutaneous K-wire fixation with an average of two K-wires was 56 min. The mean time for applying a volar locked plate was 121 min. The cost of a pack of 10 K-wires was £3. The total cost of a standard volar locking plate and screws used was £787.

Discussion

In the absence of research comparing clinical end points, cost must play a major factor in determining the type of operation offered. A 56-min operation to percutaneously fix a distal radial fracture with K-wires costs £662. This compares to a cost of £2212 for a 121-min locked volar plate fixation. There is a calculated difference of £1549 and 65 min.

Conclusion

With use of a locked volar plate for patients under the age of 70 years there is a loss of £652 for the Trust with the present NHS tariffs.     

The use of a single volar locking plate for AO C3-type distal radius fractures

Background

A single volar locking plate (VLP) is now frequently used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of many types of distal radius fractures. Comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures (AO C3-type) are typically the most challenging to surgically treat. No studies directly address the adequacy of a VLP alone for maintaining reduction of AO C-type fractures. We hypothesized that a single VLP provides an effective method for maintaining reduction for these fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated radiographs of a series of AO C-type fractures. Seventy-seven patients with 77 AO C3-type fractures were identified from billing records and were eligible for the study. All patients were treated by fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Radiographs at the time of union were compared to those from immediately postoperatively.

Results

Sixty-nine of 77 (89.6 %) fractures treated with VLP fixation alone for AO C3-type distal radius fractures united without loss of reduction. Eight of 77 (10.4 %) patients treated with VLP for AO C3 fractures lost reduction. The most common fracture fragment to lose reduction was the lunate fossa (5 of 8); loss of reduction of the scaphoid fossa die-punch fragment (2 of 8) and the radial styloid (1 of 8) were also seen.

Conclusions

The majority (89.6 %) of AO C3-type fractures treated with a single volar locking plate come to union without loss of reduction.Level of evidence: Level IV.     

微创经皮掌侧植入锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折效果观察

目的观察微创经皮掌侧植入锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折的效果。方法选取天津市津南医院2017-01-2018-12间收治的82例桡骨远端骨折患者,随机分为2组,各41例。对照组应用外固定支架治疗,观察组使用微创经皮掌侧植入锁定钢板治疗。比较2组的疗效。结果 2组切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量及术后尺偏角、桡骨高度、VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组术后掌倾角显著高于对照组,术后3个月的腕关节主动活动度、相对健侧握力、Mayo评分显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后1 a,2组腕关节活动度、相对健侧握力及Mayo评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论微创经皮掌侧植入锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折的远期疗效与外固定支架疗效相当,但其更利于术后患者腕关节功能的早期恢复。     

A systematic review of volar locking plate removal after distal radius fracture

BackgroundIndication of volar locking plate (VLP) removal after bony healing of distal radius fracture (DRF) is controversial. Studies with various range of removal rate were reported. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the frequency and the reasons of hardware removal over the world. We hypothesized that more frequent VLP removal contribute to better clinical outcomes.MethodsThe authors searched all available literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles reporting on outcomes of treatment using VLP for DRF. Data collection included hardware removal rate, complication rate, clinical and radiological outcomes. We analyzed correlation between hardware removal rate with clinical and radiological outcomes.ResultsA total of 3472 articles were screened, yielding 52 studies for final review. The mean hardware removal rate was 9%, ranging from 0 to 100%. The mean removal rate in studies from France, Norway, Japan, and Belgium was as high as 19%. The mean removal rate in studies from the US was low (3%). The most frequent reasons for extraction were routine removal (22%), tendon irritation or tenosynovitis (14%), hardware problem (14%), and patient’ request (13%). Although routine removal and patient’ request were not counted as complication, correlation between removal rate with complication rate was strong (rho = 0.64, p < 0.001). Correlations between clinical and radiological outcomes were week except for volar tilt (rho = −0.42, p = 0.009).ConclusionsThere was a diversity of removal rate and reasons in the studies over the world. High frequent VLP removal did not contribute to better clinical 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.     

单纯锁定钢板与钢板联合外固定架治疗桡骨远端复杂关节内骨折的疗效比较

目的比较单纯锁定钢板内固定和钢板内固定联合外固定架治疗桡骨远端复杂关节内骨折的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2010-01—2013-08行手术治疗的38例桡骨远端复杂关节内骨折。单纯采用锁定钢板内固定23例(单纯组),采用锁定钢板内固定联合外固定架治疗15例(联合组)。比较2组手术相关指标、影像学指标、腕关节功能评分。结果单纯组切口总长度短于联合组,联合组桡骨高度、掌倾角恢复程度优于单纯组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);2组手术时间、术后当天VAS评分、尺倾角、关节面台阶差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后1年Mayo腕关节功能评分中,联合组总分、活动度、握力、功能高于单纯组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);但2组疼痛评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。单纯组发生关节炎4例,联合组发生关节炎3例,2组关节炎发生率比较差异无统计学意义(χ2=0.041,P0.05)。结论上述2种方法治疗桡骨远端复杂关节内骨折均能有效复位,恢复关节功能。钢板内固定联合外固定架固定复位效果更好,术后1年腕关节功能更优,但有钉道感染风险。     

Outcome of delayed primary internal fixation of distal radius fractures: A comparative study

Introduction and aim

Operative fixation of distal radius fractures using fixed-angle devices has become increasingly common. Although good to excellent results have been reported in acute fractures, little is currently known regarding the fixation of healing displaced distal radius fractures that were presented late. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of internal fixation of distal radius fractures presented late (>21 days) as compared with an acute-care control group.

Methods

Forty patients operated on for displaced distal radius fractures, presenting more than 21 days after injury (delayed treatment (DT) group), were compared with 75 age-matched controls with acute fracture repair (≤21 days). The same surgical approach was used in both groups, together with dorsal soft-tissue and brachioradialis release. No osteotomy was required. Direct and indirect reduction aids were used. A fixed-angle device (DVR; Biomet Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA) was used in both groups. Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. Quick DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and Short Form 12 scores were used to evaluate outcome, as well as radiographic analysis for Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen(AO)/Orthopaedic Trauma Association(OTA) classification, volar tilt, radial inclination and radial length.

Results

Average age was 53 years in both groups and male to female (M/F) ratio was similar in the study groups. Mean time to surgery was 30 days in the DT group and 8 days in the control group. There were significantly more type C (91.5% vs. 67.5%) fractures in the control group. The average quick DASH score was 27.1 in the DT group as compared with 6.3 in the control group (p < 0.03); however, when controlling for two outlier cases with complications (hardware irritation and a sensory neuropathy) there was no significant difference. Volar tilt, radial inclination and length were similar in both groups and were within normal anatomical values.

Conclusions

Delayed primary operative fixation of displaced unstable distal radial fractures is a viable option for cases that were presented late, with predictable, favourable results. Neither extensile approaches nor formal osteotomies are required.     

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。     

Outcome following distally locked volar plating for distal radius fractures with metadiaphyseal involvement

BackgroundThe surgical treatment of metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures may be difficult due to the associated articular or periarticular extension that limits standard fixation techniques. Longer distal radius volar locking plates allow stable fixation of the distal fragments while providing standard plate fixation in the proximal radius. We hypothesize that this plating technique allows adequate fixation to both the distal radius and metadiaphyseal fragments. The purpose of the study is to describe the outcomes, radiographic parameters, secondary surgeries, and complication rate with this device.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on adult patients with a distal radius fracture and metadiaphyseal involvement treated with a volar, distally locked plate. All patients were followed up for radiographic union, with a mean time of 219 days (range 38–575). Fracture patterns, outcomes of range of motion, grip strength, and complications, as well as injury, post open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and finally, healed radiographic parameters were recorded.ResultsTwenty patients with 21 fractures were included. At union, mean radiographic parameters were the following: volar tilt of 8°, radial inclination of 27°, radial height of 14 mm, and ulnar variance of −1 mm. The mean final range of motion was 52° flexion, 50° extension, 68° pronation, and 66° supination. Complications included one infection and one plate removal. Four patients developed a nonunion requiring secondary procedures. There were no incidents of hardware failure or adhesions requiring tenolysis.ConclusionDistally locked long volar plating for metadiaphyseal distal radius fractures is a safe and effective treatment option for these complex fracture patterns allowing anatomic restoration of the radial shaft and distal radius.     

掌侧与背侧钢板固定关节外桡骨远端背侧粉碎性骨折的生物力学研究

目的 探讨掌侧与背侧钢板固定桡骨远端背侧粉碎性骨折时的抗压缩、抗扭转差异性.方法 将12侧新鲜成人尸体桡骨标本制成桡骨远端背侧粉碎性骨折模型,随机分为2个大组,分别进行掌侧与背侧钢板螺钉固定;再将每个大组分为2个亚组,分别进行轴向压缩试验和水平扭转试验.检测指标:轴向压缩强度、轴向压缩刚度、水平扭转强度和水平扭转刚度.结果 在轴向压缩试验中,掌、背侧两组之间轴向压缩强度差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),背侧组大于掌侧组;在生理压缩载荷下,掌、背侧两组刚度值差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),背侧组高于掌侧组.在水平扭转试验中,两组水平扭转强度与扭转刚度差异都没有统计学意义,但数据显示,掌侧组都略强于背侧组.结论 在抗压缩方面,两组的压缩强度以及压缩刚度差异均有统计学意义,背侧组要优于掌侧组;而在抗旋转方面,两组的扭转强度与扭转刚度差异均无统计学意义,但掌侧组在数据上均稍大于背侧组.     

Routine use of locking shaft screws is not necessary in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Hypothesis

Volar locking plate fixation is a common treatment method for distal radius fractures. Recently, implants have been designed with an option to use locking screws in the shaft portion of the plate. While there is a high incidence of low bone mineral density in patients who sustain fragility fractures of the distal radius, the need for locking shaft screws is not well defined. Our hypothesis is that the routine use of locking screws in the shaft portion of volar plates is not required to maintain reduction or to prevent hardware failure.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed in all patients over age 50 years who underwent volar plate fixation using an implant with non-locking shaft screws for a distal radius fracture during a 2-year period. Patients were permitted to perform early range of motion exercises. Radiographs were examined and measurements were obtained to assess maintenance of reduction and incidence of hardware failure. Patients were followed at least until fracture healing. Patients were excluded from analysis if locking shaft screws were utilized or if follow-up was inadequate.

Results

Forty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 62 years (range 50–79). There were 12 men and 29 women. The implant used incorporated 3.5-mm shaft screws in 26 patients and 2.4-mm shaft screws in 15 patients. All patients healed within acceptable radiographic parameters (mean volar tilt = 4.9°, mean radial inclination = 21.7°, mean radial height = 11.6 mm). There were not any instances of hardware failure.

Discussion

Distal radius fractures frequently occur in patients with low bone mineral density. Non-locking, bicortically placed shaft screws provide adequate stability to allow for early range of motion without loss of reduction or hardware failure. The routine use of locking screws in the shaft portion of volar plates does not appear justified.     

Complications of volar locking plating of distal radius fractures in 576 patients with 3.2 years follow-up

BackgroundVolar plating of unstable distal radius fractures (DRF) has become the favoured treatment. The complication rates vary from 3 to 36%. The purpose of the study was to estimate the complication rate of volar plating of DRF and its association with AO/OTA fracture type, surgeon experience and type of volar plate.MethodsRetrospectively, all patients treated with volar plating of a DRF between February 2009 and June 2013 at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark were included. AO/OTA fracture type, surgeon experience (1st year, 2nd–5th year resident or consultant), type of plate (VariAx^®, Acu-Loc^®) and complications were extracted from the electronic medical records. Complications were categorized as carpal tunnel syndrome, other sensibility issues, tendon complications including irritation and rupture, deep infections, complex regional pain syndrome and unidentified DRUJ or scapholunar problems. Reoperations including hardware removal were also charted.Results576 patients with a median age of 63 years (min: 15; max: 87) were included. 78% were female and the mean observation time was 3.2 years (min: 2.0; max: 5.4). 78% (n = 451) of the patients were treated with VariAx^® and 22% (n = 125) with Acu-Loc^®.The overall complication rate was 14.6% (95% CI 11.8–17.7) including carpal tunnel syndrome or change in sensibility in 5.2% and tendon complications in 4.7%. Five flexor tendon ruptures and 12 extensor tendon ruptures were observed. The reoperation rate was 10.4% including 41 cases of hardware removal. A statistically significant association between AO/OTA fracture type C and complications was found. No statistically significant association between complication rate and surgeon experience and type of plate was observed.ConclusionThe majority of DRF patients treated with a volar plate suffer no complications. However, the overall complication rate of 14.6% is substantial. Intra-articular fractures, e.g. AO/OTA-type 23C1-3, had significantly higher complication rates. Neither surgeon experience, nor type of volar plate was able to predict complications.     

特殊透视方法在掌侧锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折中的临床应用

目的：通过术中附加透视拍摄侧斜位X线片观察桡骨远端螺钉与腕关节面关系及腕背切线位X线片观察远端螺钉是否穿出背侧皮质,从而评价掌侧锁定钢板治疗桡骨远端骨折的临床疗效。方法：自2020年1月至2021年6月,手术采用掌侧Henry入路治疗新鲜桡骨远端骨折45例,其中男20例,女25例,年龄32～75(52.4±8.1)岁。术中根据不同透视方法分为两组：对照组20例,为单纯透视拍摄标准正侧位X线片;观察组25例,在透视拍摄标准正侧位X线片基础上附加透视拍摄侧斜位X线片及腕背切线位X线片。观察两组术后6周及3、 6个月腕关节功能评分和术后并发症发生情况。结果：45例患者均获得随访,时间为6～14(10.8±1.7)个月,患者切口愈合良好,均获得骨性愈合。观察组并发症发生率低于对照组（P<0.05）。腕关节功能Gartland-Werley评分,观察组术后6周（4.58±1.31）分、3个月（2.98±0.63）分、6个月（1.95±0.65）分,均优于对照组术后6周（6.32±1.96）分、3个月（3.63±0.76）分、6个月（2.43±0.73）分,差异具有统计学意义（P<0....     

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。     

External fixation versus volar locking plate for displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures: a prospective randomized comparative study of the functional outcomes

Background

The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of external fixation and volar plating on the functional parameter of displaced intra-articular (Cooney’s type IV) distal end radius fractures using the Green and O’Brien scoring system.

Materials and methods

This prospective randomized study comprised 68 patients treated with external fixation and 42 patients treated with volar locking plates. The patients were followed up at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The assessment of pain, range of motion, grip strength and activity were assessed at each follow-up visit and scored according to the Green and O’Brien scoring system.

Results

At 1 year after surgery, we observed that external fixation showed significantly better results than volar locking plates using the Green and O’Brien scores for range of motion (22.0 ± 4.77 vs 19.89 ± 5.05), grip strength (19.91 ± 5.4 vs 16.89 ± 4.4) and final outcome (87.36 ± 11.62 vs 81.55 ± 11.32). No difference was found in pain and activity between these two groups of patients. Patients aged <50 years treated with external fixation showed excellent results (final score (91.57 ± 9.01) at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusion

External fixation showed superiority over volar locked plating after 1 year of surgery.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Functional outcome in patients with unstable distal radius fractures, volar locking plate versus external fixation: a meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to compare bridging external fixation with volar locked plating in patients with unstable distal radial fractures regarding functional outcome. A systematic search was performed in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline and EMBASE. All randomized controlled trials that compared bridging external fixation directly with volar locked plating in patients with distal radial fractures were considered. Three reviewers extracted data independently from eligible studies using a data collection form. Studies in which the primary endpoint was measured on the disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score at 3, 6 and 12 months were included in the analysis. To this end, mean scores and standard deviations were extracted. The software package Revman 5 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used for data analysis. Three studies involving 174 patients were analyzed. Ninety patients were treated with an (augmented) bridging external fixator and 84 with a volar locking plate. Data were analyzed with the random effects model. The robustness of the results was explored using a sensitivity analysis. Patients treated with a volar locking plate showed significantly lower DASH scores at all times. A difference of 16 (p = 0.006), six (p = 0.008) and eight points (p = 0.06) was found at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up, respectively. Patients treated with a volar locking plate showed significantly better functional outcome throughout the entire follow-up. However, this difference was only clinically relevant during the early postoperative period (3 months).