Arthroscopically-assisted reduction of intra-articular fractures and soft tissue management of distal radius.

Abstract

Arthroscopy was used to help to reduce intra-articular fractures of the distal radius and treat soft tissue injuries in 33 acute cases. The fractures were treated by reduction under arthroscopic control and percutaneous fixation either with or without external fixation. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) was torn in 18 of 33 patients (54%). All tears were peripheral and were repaired with arthroscopic procedures. Scapholunate (SL) ligament injuries prevailed in six (18%) patients; most of them exhibited instability in the SL joint. They received SL ligament debrided and transfixed with K-wires. Four (12%) of the patients suffered lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injuries; three of them also received transfixation with K-wires. Six (18%) of the patients exhibited chondral fractures. All fractures healed without measurable incongruity of joint surface and at follow-up (24 to 36 months), 11 patients displayed excellent results and 22 patients displayed good results according to the Mayo modified wrist score.