Is there a Consensus in the Management of Distal Radial Fractures?

Dorsal wrist plating for the management of intra-articular distal radius fractures

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of Dorsal Wrist Plating in intra-articular distal radius fractures with a dorsal displacement. In this prospective study, a single surgeon treated 20 patients with a (partially) intra-articular distal radius fracture with a dorsal rim avulsion or a dorsal Barton's type fragment. They all underwent an open reduction and internal fixation by Dorsal Wrist Plating. A total of 17 patients had a follow-up period of at least 12 months (mean follow- up of 17 months) and these patients were included in the study. Both functional and radiological outcome parameters were measured. The total range of motion was 92 % of the contralateral side. The mean grip strength and key pinch were 24.6 kg and 6.9kg respectively compared to 29.5 kg and 7.4 kg on the non-operated side. The average Mayo Wrist Score was 89.7 (range 80-100) and the mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 4.5 (range 0-9.2). An articular step-off was only noted in 2 patients (1 and 2 mm respectively). Radial inclination was restored in all patients. Palmar tilt was anatomically restored in five patients. In all other patients, the palmar tilt was acceptably restored. There was no significant radial shortening in any of the patients. No infections, no tendon ruptures, no Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or union problems were observed. Dorsal wrist plating seems to be a safe and reliable procedure in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement.

Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Distal Radio Osteosynthesis with Locking Plate-Retrospective Study

Objective  The objective of the present work was to perform a retrospective study based on the medical files and radiographs of the patients, as well as on the socioeconomic data of the patients submitted to distal radio osteosynthesis with locking plates, evaluating them clinically and radiographically. Methods  The postoperative period was evaluated clinically and radiologically in the orthopedics and traumatology clinic service of our hospital between 2016 and 2017. Results  In the radiographic evaluation, we found 22 (75.86%) excellent results, 6 (20.69%) good results, and 1 (3.45%) regular result. In the clinical evaluation, the ulnar deviation obtained a mean of 28.40, a standard deviation (SD) of 3.0 and a coefficient of variation of 10.56%. The radial deviations averaged 22.93, with a SD of 2.2 and a coefficient of variation of 9.59%. The range of motion in flexion obtained a mean of 59.43, a SD of 9.86 and a coefficient of variation of 16.59%. The extension obtained a mean of 53.83, a SD of 5.09 and a coefficient of variation of 9.46%. Conclusion  We have concluded that there is statistical correlation between clinical and radiographic data, and that the locking plate is a treatment method with a high success rate in the surgical procedure of distal radius fractures.

The relationship between radiological alignment of united distal radius fractures and functional and patient-perceived outcomes in elderly patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between radiological alignment and functional outcomes including strength, range of motion (ROM), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores in elderly patients with united distal radius fractures.

METHODS

We reviewed 118 patients (mean age of 76.2 ± 9.5 years, mean follow-up 36.3 ± 17.6 months). Outcome measures included the DASH and PRWE scores, ROM, and grip and pinch strength were measured using a validated mobile hand-held dynamometer. Radial height, radial inclination, ulnar variance, and palmar tilt were measured on standard radiographs.

RESULTS

The mean total score for DASH was 4.9 ± 7.4 and 6.9 ± 11 for the PRWE. There were significant differences in ROM for palmar flexion and ulnar deviation between the affected wrist and the normal wrist. Linear regression revealed significant relationships for the following variables: between DASH and radiological palmar tilt, between PRWE and radiological palmar tilt, between grip strength and radial inclination, between grip strength and radial height, and between grip strength and ulnar variance.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that minor deformities of the distal radius following distal radius fractures treated with either operative or nonoperative treatment are unlikely to be clinically relevant and have no impact on patient perceived outcomes for elderly patients.

Results of geriatric distal radius fractures treated by intramedullary fixation

INTRODUCTION

Distal radius fracture are common injuries but no gold standard for their therapy exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of fracture care in distal radius fractures using an intramedullary implant (Targon DR interlocking nail). The nail had been developed to minimize the surgical exposure, increase fixation strength, to prevent tendon irritations and to allow for a fast return to activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective study reports the result of 43 patients with an age over 70 years (range 70-91 years) treated by closed reduction and intramedullary fixation. Inclusion criteria were displaced unilateral isolated AO A or C type fractures. The Targon DR interlocking nail was used for all patients. The minimum follow up was 12 months.

RESULTS

All fractures united within 2 months. At one-year follow-up the patients had a mean extension of 96.1 ± 1.5%, flexion of 91.6 ± 3.3%, pronation of 99.4 ± 0.7%, supination of 94.0 ± 2.0%, radial abduction of 98.1 ± 1.3%, ulnar deviation of 91.4 ± 3.0% and a grip strength of 91.5 ± 4.3% compared to the contralateral wrist. Pain score measured by a Visual Analogue Scale scored 0.0 ± 0.0 at rest and in activity 0.3 ± 0.3. The mean Castaing Score was good (1.06 ± 0.30) and the Gartland & Werley Score was excellent (1.50 ± 0.57). The mean radial shortening was 0.2 ± 0.1 mm and radial inclination was 3.1 ± 1.1° (range +15° to 0°). No deep soft-tissue or chronic osseous infections were observed. One patient developed a carpal tunnel syndrome. Paraesthesia or dysaesthesia of the superficial radial nerve was registered in seven patients and fully recovered in four patients. There were two cases of single screw loosening. We also found two cases of screw overlength and consecutive contact with the ulnar head, one patient underwent implant removal. Another patient developed CRPS (2.3%). We did not observe any case of hardware failure, tendon irritation or tendon rupture.

CONCLUSION

In geriatric patients intramedullary interlocking nailing of displaced extraarticular or intraarticular distal radius fracture with the Targon DR nail represents a viable treatment option and alternative to the use of volar interlocking plating in terms of fracture reduction, maintenance of reduction and functional outcome.

Displaced Intra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius: Open Reduction With Internal Fixation Versus Bridging External Fixation

Background:

Distal radius fracture is common in all ages. Mobility and wrist function is important. The choice of treatment should aim for optimal function with minimal complications.

Objectives:

In this study we compared two surgical approaches, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction with external fixation (CR + EF), for treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures.

Patients and Methods:

Ninety-four patients with distal radius fracture (type 3, 4 and 5 Fernandez classification) were treated with two surgical methods (ORIF and CR + EF); 55 were treated with CR + EF and 39 were treated with ORIF by different surgeons. All patients were assessed at the end of the first, third and sixth week; and then after the third, sixth and 12^th month. At the end of the follow-up, all patients completed the Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHOQ). We compared radiological parameters of distal radius, range of motion (ROM) of the wrist, duration of rehabilitation, complication and patient satisfaction of the methods.

Results:

In our study, radiological findings for the ORIF group were radial inclination (RI): 19.35, radial length (RL): 10.35, radial tilt (RT): 8.92, and ulnar variance (UV): 1.64, while for the CR + EF group these were RI: 15.13, RL: 8, RT: 4.78, and UV: 0.27. The ROM for ORIF were flexion/extension (F/E): 137, Radial/Ulnar deviation (R/U): 52, and Supination/Pronation (S/P): 141, while for the CR + EF group these were F/E: 117, R/U: 40 and S/P: 116. Michigan hand outcome score for ORIF was 75% and for Ext. fix was 60%. The rate of complication with the ORIF method was 58% and in Ext. fix this was 69%. The patients in CR + EF had more than the ORIF course of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

In comparison of ORIF and CR + EF, all results including functional score, clinical and radiologic criteria were in favor of the ORIF method while there were less complications with this method. We believe that ORIF is a better method for treatment of these types of fractures.

Influence of surgeon, patient and radiographic factors on distal radius fracture treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgeon, patient, and radiographic factors influencing the recommendation for operative treatment in distal radius fractures. In a web-based study 252 orthopaedic surgeons from a variety of countries reviewed 30 consecutive sets of radiographs of patients that presented to our emergency department with a fracture of the distal radius. Surgeons were randomly assigned to receive either 'Radiographs only' or 'Radiographs and clinical information'. Surgery was recommended on average 52% of the time whether or not surgeons received clinical information. Female surgeons, surgeons with less than 21 years of experience, and hand surgeons were more likely to recommend operative treatment, but these factors explained only 1% of the variation. Radiographic criteria (intra-articular fractures, ulnar styloid fractures, dorsal comminution, dorsal tilt, and ulnar variance) explained 49% of the variation. The overall agreement on treatment was moderate and slightly higher among surgeons that received radiographs alone. Level of evidence: Level II, therapeutic; not a clinical study.

Avoiding Heparinization of Arterial Line and Maintaining Acceptable Arterial Waveform After Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background:

Invasive and continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring is crucial after cardiac surgery. Accuracy of BP measurement mostly depends on patency of arterial catheter and acceptable waveform. Heparinized saline flush usually used for this purpose may be accompanied by potential heparin adverse effects.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare heparinized and non-heparinized saline flush to maintain acceptable arterial waveform after cardiac surgery.

Materials and Methods:

In a double blind randomized trial study, 100 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were randomized to using heparinized (n = 50) or non-heparinized (normal) saline flush (n = 50) to maintain patency of arterial catheter after operation. Indwelling arterial catheters were checked daily for acceptable arterial waveform for three days as primary outcome measures.

Results:

Frequency of acceptable arterial waveform ranged from 66% to 80%, in first, second and third postoperative days. There were no statistically significant differences between heparinized and non-heparinized saline groups regarding acceptable arterial waveforms in all the three postoperative days (all P values > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Using non-heparinized normal saline is suitable to maintain acceptable arterial waveform for short-term (three days) after adult cardiac surgery considering potential adverse effects of heparin.

Hardware-related complications after dorsal plating for displaced distal radius fractures

There has been a trend away from dorsal fixation of distal radius fractures secondary to a historically higher complication rate. However, the literature on low-profile dorsal plates and titanium implants for the treatment of these fractures is limited. The goal of the current study was to evaluate hardware-related complications and removal rates after open reduction and internal fixation of unstable, displaced distal radius fractures using a dorsal approach with a low-profile titanium plate. A single surgeon treated 125 patients with isolated, unstable, dorsally displaced distal radius fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a low-profile titanium dorsal plating system. A total of 110 patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year, and mean follow-up was 27 months (range, 12-74). Outcomes were assessed radiographically and clinically. Satisfactory alignment was achieved in all cases, and no fracture went on to nonunion. Nine patients (8%) required removal of hardware at an average of 12 months (range, 6-34). Six patients (5%) had evidence of extensor tenosynovitis intraoperatively, but no extensor tendon ruptures were identified. Overall, using the Gartland and Werley score, results were excellent in 82 patients, good in 22 patients, fair in 5 patients, and poor in 1 patient. Six complications accounted for the fair and poor results. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at latest follow-up was 6 (range, 0-25). This series showed that the technique of dorsal plating with a low-profile titanium plate is safe and effective.

Exposure of distal radius fractures using a direct radial approach with mobilization of the superficial branch of the radial nerve

Extraarticular and simple intraarticular fractures and malunions of the distal radius can be addressed through a direct radial approach that entails careful and meticulous handling of the soft tissues. This approach involves mobilization of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) and extensor tendons of the first dorsal compartment. A Type I SBRN pattern is when the nerve presents as a single bundle. In Type II pattern, there are 2 major nerve groups present. With Type II branching patterns of the SBRN, careful intraneural dissection is required to mobilize the nerve branches into a safe location during surgery. The primary advantage of this approach is the ease of surgical dissection and avoidance of the flexor tendons of the fingers during surgery.