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[Our preferred Approaches to the distal Radius]

This article describes our preferred approaches to the distal radius treating acute fractures and malunion by plating.

[Carpal Malalignment in Malunited Fractures of the Distal Radius]

PURPOSE

To evaluate and classify carpal alignment in malunited fractures of the distal radius.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

On standardized lateral radiographs of the involved wrist of 72 patients with a symptomatic extra-articular malunion of the distal radius, 43 with a dorsal and 29 with a palmar angulation, radius tilt (RT), radiolunate (RL) and lunocapitate angle were measured. Malposition of the radius was defined as RT plus 11° in dorsal malunion and RT minus 11° in palmar malunion. A palmar tilt of the radius was marked with a minus sign. At the time of corrective osteotomy 9 dorsal malunions underwent for different reasons evaluation of the scapholunate ligament with 4 having a complete scapholunate ligament disruption.

RESULTS

With respect to the RL-angle, carpal malalignment was categorized as follows: type P with a RL-angle less than -12°, type K with a RL-angle between -12 and 10°, type A with a RL-angle more than 10°, but less than the malposition of the radius, type D with a RL-angle greater than the malposition of the radius. All types of carpal malalignment were found in both, dorsally and palmarly tilted malunion. Type A carpal alignment was identified as the leading type in dorsal malunion (25 out of 43 patients), whilst in palmar malunion colinear subluxation of the carpus (type C) was the dominant type (12 out of 29 patients). To return the hand to a neutral position the rotation of the lunate was compensated by a contrarotation of the capitate in the dorsal malunion. In the palmar malunion a dorsal extension of the capitate returned the hand to a neutral position. In 4 of the 5 patients with type D carpal alignment, who had scapholunate ligament evaluation, a complete ligament tear was found.

CONCLUSION

In this study four different types of carpal alignment in malunited extra-articular fractures of the distal radius were identified. Based on this data we suspect that type D carpal alignment in dorsal malunion may be associated with a scapholunate ligament tear. Therefore, we recommend wrist arthroscopy for this group of patients.

[Functional outcome after corrective osteotomy of the distal radius]

BACKGROUND

Malunited fractures of the distal radius frequently show disabling and painful reductions in active range of motion (AROM) of the wrist and forearm with reduced grip strength. Shortening and three-dimensional torsion of the distal radius occur with relative ulnar lengthening. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius is indicated in these conditions.

METHODS

We examined 24 of 30 patients after corrective osteotomy with respect to AROM, grip strength, DASH, and pain perception (visual analogue scale). The mean age of the population was 49 years (18-69 years), and the mean follow-up period was 22 months (6-63 months).

RESULTS

Preoperative extension/flexion was 65 degrees , postoperative 92 degrees (p<0.05). Forearm rotation improved from 129 degrees preoperative to 160 degrees postoperative (p<0.01). The DASH score could be reduced from 40 (n=9) to 18 (n=24). Grip strength increased from 17 kg to 27 kg postoperative (p<0.01). Radioulnar inclination increased from 15 degrees preoperative to 24 degrees postoperative (p<0.05). Relative ulnar lengthening could be minimized from 4.3 mm to 0.7 mm (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Data show that reconstruction of the distal radius improves grip strength and range of motion significantly with simultaneous reduction of pain perception and DASH scores.

Distale Radiusfraktur

Distal fracture of the radius is an injury to a complex joint that is comprised functionally of four partial joints and makes it possible for the hand to move in all directions. The injuries to bone and cartilage and to the stabilizing ligamentous structures and the surrounding soft tissue vary as functions of the impact responsible, the mechanism of injury, and any previous illnesses. The objectives of treatment are restoration of pain-free, unrestricted and lasting function of the wrist and lower arm and avoidance of the typical complications. Stable fractures are treated by conservative means, while unstable fractures with fragmentation are realigned in a closed procedure and then stabilized by internal or external fixation. In the case of fractures in bones affected by osteoporosis it is usually not necessary to make good a metaphyseal defect when specially adapted fixed-angle plates are used. Complex intraarticular AO type C3 fractures with multiple fragments frequently require a two-step procedure with primary closed realignment, an external fixator spanning the joint, and subsequent extensive diagnostic examinations to ascertain any concomitant injuries and allow a decision on the definitive treatment that is most suitable for the type of injury present.