Open fractures of the distal radius

Timing of Type I Open Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Does Not Affect Early Complication Rates

Purpose

There is limited published evidence regarding the optimal management of type I open fractures of the distal radius. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term complication rates among open fractures of the distal radius, with attention to the timing of management of type I fractures. Our hypothesis was that there would not be a temporal association between treatment and infection for type I open distal radius fractures (DRFs).

Methods

A retrospective review of all open DRFs at a single level-1 trauma center over a 10-year period was performed. Patients were grouped based on Gustilo Anderson open fracture classification. The primary outcome measures were superficial and deep infection rates in all patients with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. A subgroup analysis was performed for Gustilo Anderson type I injuries with a 3-month follow-up based on time to surgery.

Results

Seventy-one patients with open DRFs were included for analysis with an average follow-up of 16.7 months. There was a higher rate of deep infection (30%) and average number of revision surgeries (3.0) in the type III cohort compared with both type II (4% and 0.6) and type I (0% and 0.39) cohorts. A subgroup analysis of 63 type I fractures with a minimum of 3-month follow-up revealed zero infections, with no difference in other complications or number of revision surgeries among patients definitively managed within 24 hours, 24-72 hours, and greater than 72 hours. Two patients were managed nonoperatively, without complication.

Conclusions

Type I open DRFs differ from higher grade DRFs with regard to demographics and injury characteristics, along with infection, complication, and reoperation rates. With no infections in the type I DRF cohort and no difference in complication rates based on time to debridement, our data suggest that it is safe to manage type I open DRFs similarly to closed injuries regarding surgical timing.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic III.

Postoperative Complications After Operative Treatment of Open Versus Closed Distal Radius Fractures: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Purpose

The primary objective was to use a large sample size to compare 30-day infection rates and other perioperative outcomes between operatively treated open and closed distal radius fractures.

Methods

Patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a distal radius fracture between 2008 and 2018 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes and stratified into open (OF) and closed fractures (CF). A 10:1 (CF:OF) nearest neighbor propensity score matching was used to address demographic differences. Infection rate and other outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

A total 17,536 CF and 401 OF were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. After matching, baseline demographics were not statistically different (P > .05). There was a statistically significant increase in deep surgical site infections between OF and CF (0.2% vs 0.02%, P < .05). The OF cohort had a higher rate of significant adverse events (7.2% vs 1.6%, P < .05), return to the operating room (3.5% vs 0.9%, P < .05), mean length of stay (1.8 vs 0.7 days, P < .05), and operative time (90.8 vs 73.7 minutes, P < .05), but no difference in time from admission to the operating room (0.4 vs 0.3 days).

Conclusions

There was a statistically but probably not clinically impactful increase in 30-day deep surgical site infections in OF compared to CF. Patients with OF had significantly longer operative times and length of stay, and more often returned to the OR. This suggests that many OF patients do not carry a clinically increased short-term risk of infection when compared to CF patients.

Type of study/level of evidence

Prognostic, Level III.

Comparison of Early Versus Late Debridement Outcomes in the Management of Open Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE

The optimal timing for surgical treatment of open distal radius fractures remains an area of debate. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of open distal radius fractures treated surgically before or after 24 hours.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective review was performed on all open distal radius fractures treated over 11 years. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, and initial treatment were recorded. Fracture severity was graded by the Gustilo-Anderson classification. Comparisons were made between those treated surgically within and after 24 hours. Outcomes examined included infection, revision surgery, osteomyelitis, and nonunion.

RESULTS

A total of 230 cases met the inclusion criteria. The cohorts of early and delayed surgical intervention were similar with regard to preoperative demographics. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident. Approximately 40% of cases were graded as type I, 40% as type II, and 20% as type III. Mean time to debridement in the group treated after 24 hours was 5 days. A mean postoperative follow-up of greater than 6 months was obtained in both cohorts. Similar outcomes were found between cohorts with respect to postoperative infection, revision surgery, osteomyelitis, and nonunion.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar outcomes with regards to infection, revision, osteomyelitis, and nonunion were found between open distal radius fractures treated emergently versus those managed in a delayed fashion. Patient- and injury-specific factors are important in dictating care.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic IIB.

Association of Timing With Postoperative Complications in the Management of Open Distal Radius Fractures

BACKGROUND

This study investigates whether open distal radius fractures (ODRFs) treated after 24 hours from time of injury have an increased risk of infection or overall complication profile compared with those treated within 24 hours.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of all patients treated for ODRF over a 6-year period at a single large academic institution. Postoperative complications included surgical site infections, need for revision irrigation and debridement, delayed soft tissue healing, loss of reduction, nonunion, and malunion.

RESULTS

One-hundred twenty patients were treated for ODRF. Mean (SD) age at time of injury was 59.92 (17.68) years. Twenty patients (16.7%) had postoperative complications. Regarding mechanism of injury, 78 (65.0%) had a low-energy and 42 (35.0%) had a high-energy injury. Age and fracture grade were not significant factors. Mean (SD) open wound size was 1.18 (1.57) cm. Mean (SD) time from injury presentation to the emergency department (ED) and first dose of intravenous antibiotics was 3.07 (4.05) hours and mean (SD) time from presentation to the ED and operative treatment was 11.90 (6.59) hours, which did not show a significant association with postoperative complications. Twenty-four patients (20.0%) were treated greater than 24 hours after presentation to the ED, which was not significantly distinct from those treated within 24 hours.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ODRFs treated after 24 hours were not associated with a greater risk of postoperative complications. Factors including age, energy and mechanism of injury, and fracture grade did not alter outcome in any statistically significant manner.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Under Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the available literature on fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs) under wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet (WALANT), and to examine postoperative pain scores and functional outcomes, operative data including operative time and blood loss, and the frequency of adverse events.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS were searched from inception until May 2022 for relevant studies. Studies were screened in duplicate, and data on pain scores, functional outcomes, and adverse events were recorded. Due to methodological and statistical heterogeneity, the results are presented in a descriptive fashion.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included comprising 456 patients with closed, unilateral DRFs, of whom 226 underwent fixation under WALANT. These patients had a mean age of 52.8 ± 8.3 years, were 48% female, and had a mean follow-up time of 11.6 months (range: 6-24). Operative time for WALANT patients averaged 60.4 ± 6.5 minutes, with mean postoperative pain scores of 1.4 ± 0.6 on a 10-point scale. Studies that compared WALANT to general anesthesia found shorter hospital stays with most WALANT patients being sent home the same day, decreased postoperative pain scores, and decreased costs to the healthcare system. No adverse events were reported for WALANT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A growing body of literature reports that for closed, unilateral DRF, surgical fixation under WALANT is a safe and effective option. It allows patients to have surgery sooner, with improved pain scores and good functional outcomes, with a very low incidence of adverse events.

Upper Extremity Trauma in Costa Rica - Evaluating Epidemiology and Identifying Opportunities

Background

Traffic accidents and musculoskeletal injuries represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Costa Rica. To inform capacity building efforts, we conducted a survey study of hand and upper extremity (UE) fellowship-trained surgeons in Costa Rica to evaluate the epidemiology, complications, and challenges in care of UE trauma.

Methods

Aiming to capture all hand and UE trained surgeons in Costa Rica, we compiled a list of nine surgeons and sent a survey in Spanish using Qualtrics. Assessment questions were developed to understand the burden, complications, practice patterns, challenges, and capacity associated with care of UE trauma. Questions were designed to focus on opportunities for future investigation. Questions were translated and adapted by two bilingual speakers. Data were reported descriptively and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Nine (100%) surgeons completed the survey. Distal radius fractures, hand and finger fractures, and tendon injuries are the most frequently noted conditions. Stiffness and infection are the most common complications. About 29% of patients are unable to get necessary therapy and 13% do not return for follow-up care with monetary, distance, and transportation limitations being the greatest challenges.

Conclusions

The burden of UE trauma in Costa Rica is high. Identifying common conditions, complications, challenges, and capacity allows for a tailored approach to partnership and capacity building (e.g. directing capacity building and/or research infrastructure toward distal radius fractures). These insights represent opportunities to inform community-driven care improvement and research initiatives, such as Delphi consensus approaches to identify priorities or the development of outcome measurement systems.

Outcomes of Type I Open Distal Radius Fractures: A Comparison of Delayed and Urgent Open Reduction Internal Fixation

BACKGROUND

Type I open distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have demonstrated minimal risk of infection. For this reason, they may not require urgent surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with type I open distal radius fractures treated with delayed ORIF compared with urgent ORIF.

METHODS

We identified all Gustilo-Anderson type I open distal radius fractures that had undergone ORIF using volar plating over a 5-year period. Patients were stratified into those treated urgently within 24 hours and those scheduled for delayed surgery. Outcomes including functional scores, complications, reoperations, and radiographic measures were compared.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (17 treated urgently and 7 treated delayed) had open type I distal radius fractures. All patients were started on empiric antibiotics at initial presentation-patients in the delayed treatment group were prescribed oral antibiotics, whereas those admitted for urgent treatment received intravenous antibiotics. There were no infections in either group and a single reoperation in each group. The mean postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 29 (range = 0-77) and did not differ significantly between delayed (mean = 19) and urgent (mean = 38) treatment. Rate of complications and radiographic measures did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Type I open distal radius fractures appear amenable to delayed outpatient ORIF provided that the wound is clean at the time of initial presentation and that antibiotics are initiated appropriately. Further prospective studies comparing delayed and urgent treatment strategies are warranted.

Outcomes of Primary Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Open Distal Radius Fractures

Background: Few studies have reported the outcomes of primary volar locking plate fixation in Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures. We report the outcomes of treatment of Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures using primary volar locking plate fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with open distal radius fractures who were treated using primary volar locking plate fixation. The range of motion (ROM) and modified Mayo wrist scores were measured to assess functional outcomes. Radiological outcomes included the bone union period, radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and ulnar variance. Results: Functional outcomes, including mean ROM in flexion (39.1°) and extension (52.5°), improved following primary volar locking plate treatment. Radiological outcomes were as follows. Mean bone union period, radial length and ulnar variance were 7.8 months, 10.4 and 0.7 mm, respectively. Two patients had superficial wound infection 2 weeks after surgery and one patient had non-union of the radius that required implant removal, autologous iliac crest bone graft and plate re-fixation. Conclusions: Primary volar locking plate fixation is a safe and reliable treatment option for Gustilo and Anderson type II and IIIA open distal radius fractures. By providing firm stabilisation and allowing early ROM exercise, primary volar locking plate fixation resulted in good functional and radiological outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Evaluating Outcomes Following Open Fractures of the Distal Radius

PURPOSE

A paucity of evidence exists regarding the optimal treatment of open fractures of the distal radius. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term complication rates between various treatment options following open fractures of the distal radius.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all open fractures of the distal radius at a single level 1 trauma center over a 10-year period. The primary outcome measure was the number of minor and major complications. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients across treatment and outcome groups were compared and models were used to describe the relationships between outcome and treatment.

RESULTS

Ninety patients met the inclusion criteria for evaluation. An even distribution between high-energy (n = 45) and low-energy (n = 45) injuries was seen with 61 fractures Gustilo I (67%), 19 Gustilo II (22%), and 10 Gustilo III (11%). The majority of fractures were intra-articular (n = 48 AO type C vs n = 42 AO type A/B). Fractures were treated with immediate open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in 67 cases (74%), external fixation in 12 (13%), initial external fixation followed by ORIF at a later time in 8 (9%), or closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in 3 (4%). We observed 33 complications (37%) of which 24 were major and 9 minor. Mechanism of injury and type of treatment were the only variables shown to correlate with an increased rate of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that open fractures of the distal radius treated by immediate ORIF at the time of index debridement can result in satisfactory outcomes compared with other forms of treatment.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Timing of Treatment of Open Fractures of the Distal Radius in Patients Younger Than 65 Years

The authors aimed to characterize surgical and functional outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius in patients younger than 65 years. At their level I trauma center, the authors conducted a retrospective review of 92 patients (age range, 16-64 years) who had 94 open fractures of the distal radius (average follow-up, 30 months; range, 3-95 months). Sixty-four fractures received definitive treatment at the time of initial débridement; 30 received definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage after staged débridement. Primary surgical outcome was development of deep surgical site infection requiring repeat surgical débridement; secondary surgical outcome was surgical complications requiring reoperation. Functional outcome was assessed by wrist range of motion. Overall infection rate was 15% (14 of 94 fractures). Seven (11%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group developed infection compared with 7 (23%) of 30 fractures in the staged treatment group (P=.13). Twenty-one (33%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group required reoperation compared with 15 (50%) of 30 in the staged treatment group (P=.11). Deep surgical site infections and surgical complications associated with open fractures of the distal radius are driven by soft tissue injury. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(4):219-225.].

Corrective osteotomy of distal radius malunion after IIIB open fracture: Palmar approach - Case report

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that distal radius fractures are the most common, open fractures are relatively uncommon. The aim of this study is to present the case with severe malunion of extra-articular left distal radius after open fracture grade IIIB (Gustillo). The treatment was done with open correctuve osteotomy and ostosynthesis with volar low profile plate.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 32-years old man was admitted to our departement because of severely malunited left distal radius extra-articular metaphyseal fracture after treatment of an open fracture. He was primary treated in a Regional Hospital with irrigation, debridement, antimicrobial cover, and immediate skeletal management through fixation with Kirschner's wires. No external fixator was used. He developed volar metaphyseal angulation after loss of primary reduction of K-wires fixation; therefore it required corrective surgical treatment. Because of malunion, open corrective osteotomy and bone grafting of distal radius with volar plating were done. Follow-up 20 months after surgery show deformity correction of radial volar inclination, height, and restitution of distal radioulnar joint.

CONCLUSION

This case report offers an informative overview on this uncommon case of distal radius open fracture malunion treated successfully with volar approach corrective osteotomy. Corrective surgery is the primary therapy of choice in the this case. This method have shown to be safe and effective in treatment of distal radius malunion with volar angulation.

Open Distal Radius Fractures: Timing and Strategies for Surgical Management

Open distal radius fractures are rare injuries with few studies to guide treatment. Degree of soft tissue injury and contamination may be a primary consideration to dictate timing and operative intervention. Antibiotics should be started as early as possible and include a first-generation cephalosporin. Surgical fixation remains a matter of surgeon preference: although studies support the use of definitive internal fixation, many surgeons address contaminated injuries with external fixation. Although postoperative outcomes are similar to closed injuries for low-grade open distal radius fractures, high-grade injuries with more complex fracture patterns carry a high risk of complications, poor outcomes, and repeat surgical procedures.

Conversion of external fixation to open reduction and internal fixation for complex distal radius fractures

INTRODUCTION

Distal radius fractures are common injuries treated in a multitude of ways. One treatment paradigm not extensively studied is initial treatment by external fixation (EF) followed by conversion to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Such a paradigm may be beneficial in damage control situations, when there is extensive soft tissue injury, or when appropriate personnel/hospital resources are not available for immediate internal fixation.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no increased risk of infection when converting EF to ORIF in the treatment of complex distal radius fractures when conversion occurs early or if EF pin sites are overlapped by the definitive fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using an IRB approved protocol, medical records over nine years were queried to identify patients with distal radius fractures that had undergone initial EF and were later converted to ORIF. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, injury characteristics, operative details, time to conversion from EF to ORIF, assessment of whether the EF pin sites overlapped the definitive fixation, presence of infection after ORIF, complications, and occupational therapy measurements of range of motion and strength.

RESULTS

In total, 16 patients were identified, only one of which developed an infection following conversion to ORIF. Fisher's exact testing showed that infection did not depend on open fracture, time to conversion of one week or less, presence of EF pin sites overlapping definitive fixation, fracture classification, high energy mechanism of injury, or concomitant injury to the DRUJ.

DISCUSSION

Planned staged conversion from EF to ORIF for complex distal radius fractures does not appear to result in an increased rate of infection if conversion occurs early or if the EF pin sites are overlapped by definitive fixation. This treatment paradigm may be reasonable for treating complex distal radius fractures in damage control situations, when there is extensive soft tissue injury, or when appropriate personnel/hospital resources are not available for immediate internal fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective case series.

Safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius. No study has detailed this injury or treatment strategy in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius.

METHODS

A total of 21 geriatric patients with open fractures of the distal radius treated with a single definitive procedure were identified from a prospectively collected database. We reviewed patient demographics, injury characteristics and treatment specifics. Our primary outcome was surgical-site infection defined by need for antibiotics or repeat surgery. Our secondary outcome was need for other re-operation. Patients were contacted and functional scores obtained.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for an average of 26 months. One deep infection and one nonunion occurred, and they required repeat surgery. Four minor operative complications occurred, including stiffness requiring manipulation and prominent fixation devices requiring removal. Patients maintained an average wrist flexion-extension arc of 89° and pronation-supination arc of 137°. The average QuickDASH (shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire) score was 17.4, indicating minimal disability of the upper extremity.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius yields adequate functional results with low risk of major complications.

Avoiding and treating perioperative complications of distal radius fractures

Numerous methods of treatment are available for the management of distal radius fractures, with modern trends favoring volar fixed-angle distal radius plates. Whatever the method of fixation, recognition, management, and prevention of the known associated complications are essential to achieve a good outcome. This article reviews the common preventable complications that are associated with operative treatment of distal radius fractures, including tendon injuries, inadequate reduction, subsidence or collapse, intra-articular placement of pegs or screws, nerve injuries, complex regional pain syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and compartment syndrome.