Computer-assisted treatment of AO type C distal radius fractures

Abstract

Objective To discuss the clinical effect in the treatment of AO type C fractures of the distal radius by applying the computer-assisted preoperative planning (CAPP). Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 17 patients with type C fractures of the distal radius treated between April 2013 and March 2015, including 8 male and 9 female patients with mean age of 63.9 years (range, 26-81 years). Nine patients were fractured in traffic accidents, seven from the slip and one in high fall. All were closed fractures. According to the AO fracture classification, there were six patients with type C1, six type C2 and five type C3. Individualized internal fixation was made by applying the CAPP. Time consuming of CAPP, intraoperative blood loss, operation time and bone union time were recorded. Imaging parameters were compared between preoperative planning and final follow-up. Gartland-Werley system was used to score wrist function. Results Mean time of CAPP was 38.1 min, operation time was 62.1 min, and intraoperative bleeding was 90.3 ml. All patients were followed up for mean 14.7 months and mean bone union time was 12.8 weeks. Non-union of fractures and failures of internal fixation weren't found. Between the images of preoperative planning and last follow-up, there were statistical significances in height of radius, step-off of distal radioulnar joint surface, radial incline angle and ulna inclination angle (P<0.05), but the difference was small. Results were excellent in eight patients, good in eight and fair in one based on the Gartland-Werley system, and the excellent and good rate was 94%. Conclusion System of CAPP can provide convenience and high efficiency for the treatment of type C fractures of the distal radius, and the operation is more accurate through the virtual preoperative planning. Key words: Radius fractures; Therapy, computer-assisted; Imaging, three-dimensional