The role of post-operative radiographs in predicting risk of flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures – A case control study

Background and aimVolar plating of distal radius fractures is one of the common procedures performed in trauma surgery. Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) rupture has been described as complication following volar plating of distal radius fractures.The aim of our study was to investigate the possible relation between parameters measured on post-operative radiographs and the occurrence of FPL ruptures.Materials and methodsThis was a case control study. The post-operative radiographs of 11 FPL rupture, and 22 non-FPL rupture patients were reviewed with respect to fracture reduction and plate position and the various parameters were calculated by five independent people.Logistic regression was used to examine the importance of the variables.ResultsWe identified two significant factors to predict FPL rupture after volar plating of distal radial fractures. These were radial tilt and plate distance from the joint line. The odds ratio of ruptures was 0.74 (95% CI 0.57–0.95) for every degree of radial tilt <25° and 0.50 (95% CI 0.28–0.88) for every millimetre that the distal end of the plate was away from the volar lip of the distal radius at the wrist joint.ConclusionPost-operative radiographs could help us predict FPL rupture after distal radius volar plating. The findings also highlight the need for good fracture reduction and thoughtful placement of the volar plate intraoperatively to minimise the risk of FPL tendon rupture.     

红花注射液预防屈指肌腱损伤术后肌腱粘连的临床观察

目的评价红花注射液预防肌腱粘连的疗效。方法 60例屈指肌腱损伤患者,随机分成红花注射液组和迪康生物膜组,肌腱吻合术后分别应用红花注射液喷涂和生物膜包裹预防肌腱粘连。观察术后4周和8周肌腱总主动活动度及屈指肌腱肌力的变化。结果 60例患者创口均I期愈合,术后4周红花注射液组肌腱总主活动度优于对照组(P<0.05),术后8周肌腱总主活动度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后指抓屈力量2组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论红花注射液可应用于预防屈指肌腱损伤术后肌腱粘连。