Biomechanical aspects of malunited distal radius fracture. A review of the literature

Abstract

One of the most common injuries in orthopaedics is the distal radius fracture. Malunion may lead to pain, limited motion, and loss of grip strength. Presently there is no consensus concerning the indications for corrective surgery after malunion. Studies concerning the biomechanics of the wrist in cases of malunited radius fracture can be helpful. Analysis of the literature of the last ten years. In laboratory studies, malalignment of the radius caused alterations of the distal radioulnar joint (anatomically: reduction of the radioulnar contact area, disruption of the deep portion of the dorsal radioulnar ligament, tightness of the triangular fibrocartilage complex; functionally: limited forearm pronation and supination). Further alterations have been found concerning the carpal kinematics, the force transmission through the wrist, the pressure distribution on the articular surface of the radius and the median nerve. Attempts should be made to obtain an anatomic reduction of all acute distal radius fractures. Posttraumatic disability of the wrist following malunion in radius fractures should accordingly be treated by a corrective osteotomy of the radius at the original fracture site.