[Early results after palmar multi-axial plate osteosynthesis for treatment of distal radius fractures]

Treatment options in extra-articular distal radius fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic literature review aimed to make a detailed overview on the clinical and functional outcomes and to get insight into the possible superiority of a treatment method for extra-articular distal radius fractures.

METHODS

Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies describing treatment results. Five treatment modalities were compared: plaster cast immobilization, K-wire fixation, volar plating, external fixation, and intramedullary fixation.

RESULTS

Out of 7,054 screened studies, 109 were included in the analysis. Overall complication rate ranged from 9% after plaster cast treatment to 18.5% after K-wire fixation. For radiographic outcomes, only volar tilt in the plaster cast group was lower than in the other groups. Apart from better grip strength after volar plating, no clear functional differences were found across treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Current literature does not provide uniform evidence to prove superiority of a particular treatment method when looking at complications, re-interventions, and long-term functional outcomes.

[Potential of inpatient cases of a university hospital for orthopedics and trauma surgery for outpatient care]

BACKGROUND

The act of the Medical Service of the Health Funds (MDK) is intended to shift health services previously provided in inpatient care to the outpatient care sector in accordance with § 115b SGB V. The aim of this study was the investigation of potential groups of inpatient cases of a university hospital for trauma surgery and orthopedics, which might be at risk for transfer to surgical outpatient treatment.

METHODS

Data collection using SAP Data Warehouse included all inpatient cases 2017-2019, with subgroup analysis of economic parameters of three risk groups (RG): 1) primary misallocation, 2) procedures of AOP categories 1 and/or 2 and 3) elective 1‑day cases. Furthermore, an analysis of epidemiological parameters and an economic evaluation were performed.

RESULTS

Primary misallocations related to 245 cases, RG 2 had 764 cases and RG 3 had 891 cases. The average age was 45.5 ± 17.7 years and in 90% there were no relevant comorbidities (PCCL 0). The majority of cases were assigned to DRG I23B and I21Z (removal of osteosynthesis material, 15-23%), followed by open or arthroscopic surgery of the extremities (DRG I32F, I32G, I24Z, I18B, 6-9%). In cases of a statutory shift of inpatient to outpatient surgical procedures, the potential loss of revenue in 2017 was € 1,049,207, in 2018 € 1,076,727 and in 2019 € 923,163.

CONCLUSION

Individual groups have an increased potential in certain DRGs for a shift from inpatient to outpatient surgical procedures and are at risk for relevant revenue reductions in the course of further expansion of outpatient care. Proactive patient management in terms of outpatient versus inpatient treatment and special management of staff and spatial resources are necessary to anticipate potential downstream revenue cuts.

[Intraoperative virtual implant planning for volar plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures]

BACKGROUND

Digital planning of implants is in most cases conducted prior to surgery. The virtual implant planning system (VIPS) is an application developed for mobile C-arms, which assists the virtual planning of screws close to the joint line during surgery for treatment of distal radius fractures with volar plate osteosynthesis. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to acquire initial clinical experiences and to compare the VIPS method with the conventional technique.

METHOD

The study included 10 patients for primary testing and 30 patients with distal radius fractures of types A3, C1 and C2, divided in 2 groups. In the VIPS group, after placement of the plate and fracture reduction, a virtual 3D model of the plate was matched with the image of the plate from the fluoroscopic acquisition. Next, the length and position of the screws close to the joint line were planned on the virtual plate. The control group was treated with the same implant in the conventional way. Data were collected regarding screw replacement, fluoroscopy and operating room (OR) times.

RESULTS

The VIPS group included six A3, one C1 and eight C2 fractures, while the control group consisted of six A3 and nine C2 fractures. Three screws were replaced in the VIPS group and two in the control group (p = 0.24). The mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time of the VIPS group amounted to 2.58 ± 1.38 min, whereas it was 2.12 ± 0.73 min in the control group (p = 0.26). The mean OR time in the VIPS group was 53.3 ± 34.5 minutes and 42.3 ± 8.8 min (p = 0.23) in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The VIPS enables a precise positioning of screws close to joint line in the treatment of distal radius fractures; however, for routine use, further development of the system is necessary.