Fatigue Failure of a Distal Radius Dorsal Spanning Locked Bridge Plate with Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Abstract

A 63-year-old female with concomitant hip and distal radius fractures, was treated with a dorsal spanning bridge plate fixation of the distal radius to allow immediate upper extremity weight-bearing. At nine weeks postoperatively, the plate fractured through its central screw holes, rupturing the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon and requiring implant removal and tendon transfer. Low-profile bridge plates in distal radius fractures can result in early fatigue failure and tendon injury. Stouter plates and/or low-profile plates without midplate holes, should be considered when immediate weight-bearing through the injured wrist is needed.