Intraoperative computed tomography with an integrated navigation system versus freehand technique under fluoroscopy in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures

Abstract

Volar locking plate (VLP) fixation for distal radius fractures (DRF) is a technically demanding procedure, where accurate placement of the distal screws for subchondral articular support is essential. The purpose of this retrospective, case-control study was to compare a computed tomography (CT) navigation system for VLP fixation of intra-articular DRF with conventional freehand fluoroscopy guided surgery. Twelve consecutive patients with DRF, AO type C3.1, underwent VLP fixation using intraoperative CT navigation (navigated group) and 16 consecutive patients had conventional freehand fluoroscopy guided surgery (non-navigated group). Follow-up was done mean 12 (range, 4–18) months after surgery. Radiological outcomes included evaluation of placement for the distal fixation screws and radiological parameters such as; radial inclination, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, fracture-gap, and step-off. Clinical outcomes included grip strength, wrist range of motion, Mayo wrist score, and the Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Dorsal cortical and articular screw penetrations were significantly more common in the non-navigated group compared with the navigated group. At the final follow-up, a significantly larger intra-articular fracture gap was observed in the non-navigated group compared to the navigated group. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups. Our results suggest that CT navigation guided surgery for VLP fixation of type C3 DRF, compared with conventional freehand fluoroscopy guided surgery, provides a more accurate placement of the distal screws which minimize the risk for intra-articular and dorsal cortical screw penetration.