Is distal ulna resection influential on outcomes of distal radius malunion corrective osteotomies?

Current Concepts: Corrective Osteotomy for Extra-Articular Deformity Following a Distal Radius Fracture

Fracture malunion alters wrist and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) biomechanics, resulting in incongruence and instability of the DRUJ. Selected patients with painful functional limitation and significant deformity of the radius, but without advanced degenerative joint disease, may benefit from corrective distal radial osteotomy. Non-union and complications arising from metalwork are the most common reasons for reoperation. Surgeons should have a good understanding of risks and complications in order to fully inform their patients and manage expectations. This article reviews the biomechanical effects of radial malunion and the current concepts for treatment. Distal radial osteotomy is suitable for symptomatic patients with angular radial deformity and shortening. Evidence supports a volar approach without bone grafts for modest corrections. Bone grafts or synthetic bone substitutes are appropriate for larger corrections. Functional improvements are reported regardless of technique. Despite a high complication rate, patient satisfaction with the corrective radial osteotomy is high.

Distal radius fracture malunion: Importance of managing injuries of the distal radio-ulnar joint

BACKGROUND

Distal radius malunion is a major complication of distal radius fractures, reported in 0 to 33% of cases. Corrective osteotomy to restore normal anatomy usually provides improved function and significant pain relief. We report the outcomes in a case-series with special attention to the potential influence of the initial management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This single-centre retrospective study included 12 patients with a mean age of 35years (range, 14-60years) who were managed by different surgeons. There were 8 extra-articular fractures, including 3 with volar angulation, 2 anterior marginal fractures, and 2 intra-articular T-shaped fractures; the dominant side was involved in 7/12 patients. Initial fracture management was with an anterior plate in 2 patients, Kapandji intra-focal pinning in 5 patients, plate and pin fixation in 2 patients, and non-operative reduction in 3 patients. The malunion was anterior in 10 patients, including 2 with intra-articular malunion, and posterior in 2 patients. Corrective osteotomy of the radius was performed in all 12 patients between 2005 and 2012. In 11/12 patients, mean time from fracture to osteotomy was 168days (range, 45-180days). The defect was filled using an iliac bone graft in 7 patients and a bone substitute in 4 patients. No procedures on the distal radio-ulnar joint were performed.

RESULTS

All 12 patients were evaluated 24months after the corrective osteotomy. They showed gains in ranges not only of flexion/extension, but also of pronation/supination. All patients reported improved wrist function. The flexion/extension arc increased by 40° (+21° of flexion and +19° of extension) and the pronation/supination arc by 46° (+13° of pronation and +15° of supination). Mean visual analogue scale score for pain was 1.7 (range, 0-3). Complications recorded within 2years after corrective osteotomy were complex regional pain syndrome type I (n=1), radio-carpal osteoarthritis (n=3), and restricted supination due to incongruity of the distal radio-ulnar joint surfaces (n=3). This last abnormality should therefore receive careful attention during the management of distal radius malunion.

DISCUSSION

In our case-series study, 3 (25%) patients required revision surgery for persistent loss of supination. The main error in these patients was failure to perform a complementary procedure on the distal radio-ulnar joint despite postoperative joint incongruity. This finding and data from a literature review warrant a high level of awareness that distal radio-ulnar joint congruity governs the outcome of corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion.

Management of malunions of the distal radius

Despite encouraging results from small case series, correction of distal radius malunion remains a challenging procedure with uncertain outcomes. The most appropriate treatment for a distal radius malunion is prevention. If a symptomatic malunion is discovered, correction should be undertaken as early as possible. It is recommended that action be taken within six months of the primary injury to decrease the negative impact of soft-tissue contracture on the eventual reconstruction. Although some patients complain about residual problems after malunion surgery, corrective surgery has been shown to improve both radiographic and functional outcomes, and may prevent future secondary problems.