Use of the WALANT technique in osteosynthesis of the distal radius: Description of a case

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of the upper limb. It is a common fracture in the elderly and the indiction of an osteosynthesis by locked plate is often posed in view of the osteopenia. Surgical fixation of distal radius fractures under local anesthesia with the patient wide awake without a tourniquet allows intraoperative testing of fixation stability under active mobilization. This technique allows elderly people with extensive comorbidities to avoid the adverse effects commonly associated with general anesthesia or axillary blocks. The WALANT anesthesia technique (awake local anesthesia without tourniquet) consists of an injection of a local anesthetic of lidocaine and epinephrine into the operating field and without the use of a tourniquet. This article reports the detailed management under WALANT of osteosynthesis of the distal radius in an elderly patient presenting with extensive comorbidities.