Distal Radial Deformities Research Articles

Accuracy of correction of a hexapod frame, patient-specific osteotomy and reduction guides, and hinged circular external fixation in a 3D-printed canine antebrachial deformity model.

This study aimed to objectively define whether human hexapod fixation (Maxframe), with or without the use of 3D-printed positioning guides, can correct a canine antebrachial deformity with greater accuracy than the clinically established techniques of 3D patient-specific osteotomy and reduction guides (3D-PSORG) or hinged circular external skeletal fixation (CESF). CT of a canine antebrachium was manipulated to induce distal radial deformity of the valgus, external torsion, and procurvatum, each of magnitude 20o. Five experiments were performed to correct the deformity via a distal radial and ulna opening osteotomy using: (1) A 3D-PSORG with the application of a locking plate, (2) hinged CESF, (3) Maxframe standard protocol, (4) Maxframe applied with patient-specific positioning guides (PSPGs), and (5) Maxframe with frame adjustment calculated from post-application CT. Following correction, all constructs were optically scanned, and objective measurement of the correction achieved was performed. No construct returned the distal bone segment to its preoperative position in all planes. Translational malalignment in the sagittal plane had the highest magnitude of error for all constructs, with the Maxframe standard protocol showing the greatest error. Maxframe (PSPGs) showed the minimum error of all constructs in the frontal and sagittal planes. In this 3D-printed model of antebrachial deformity correction, the hexapod frame with the use of PSPGs achieved better accuracy than 3D-PSORG and hinged CESF and may be a technique of future interest and development in the management of canine antebrachial limb deformity.

The influence of sagittal deformity of the distal radius on pronosupination: a cadaver study.

We performed a cadaver study using seven fresh-frozen adult upper limbs to assess the impact of increasingly larger distal radial deformity in the sagittal plane on the range of motion in pronation/supination. Three palmar (20°, 30° and 40° angulations) and three dorsal (10°, 20° and 30° angulations) tilt deformities, without any radial shortening, were simulated by performing a radial osteotomy and using custom-made three-dimensional-printed anterior plates. We measured the maximum unconstrained pronation and supination before the osteotomy and after each induced deformation. There was a decrease in the median pronation and supination values for all palmar and dorsal tilt deformities. The pronation range was more impaired than the supination range, and dorsal tilt deformities caused the greatest loss in forearm rotation. Our results suggest that forearm rotation in both pronation and supination is reduced as soon as 10° to 20° distal radial deformity occurs in the palmar or dorsal direction.

Medium to long term functional and radiographic outcomes in patients with Madelung's deformity treated by isolated or combined radioulnar osteotomy

IntroductionMadelung's deformity is a rare congenital condition of the wrist that can cause pain, aesthetic concerns, reduced range of motion and grip strength. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal age for surgery or whether operative procedures can be isolated or combined depending on the extent of the deformity. The main objective of our study was to analyze the postoperative functional clinical results at a minimum of 3-years follow-up in patients operated on for Madelung's deformity. The secondary objectives were (1) comparison of preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters, and (2) to assess whether certain preoperative radiographic parameters influence the choice of surgical procedure. HypothesisThe surgery offered at our center achieves clinical and radiological result necessary for long-term activities of daily living, and varies according to the severity of the distal radial deformity. Patients and methodsWe carried out a retrospective observational monocentric study including patients operated on between 2004 and 2016. Clinical (VAS, mobility), functional (PRWE score), and radiographic assessments were performed before and after the last follow-up. ResultsThe study included 11 patients (12 wrists) with a mean age of 17±7.3 years and a mean follow-up of 8.1 years (4–12.3). The mean VAS was 2.3 (0–6) and the mean PRWE score was 37 (0–108). The mean flexion-extension arc was 134° and that of pronation and supination was 142°. The mean grip strength was 25.8±11.8kg. Four out of 6 radiographic criteria were significantly improved. An isolated radial osteotomy or combined radioulnar osteotomy was performed when the sagittal radial tilt was greater than 30° and protrusion of the lunate greater than 5mm, otherwise below these values, an isolated ulnar osteotomy was performed. DiscussionOur center offers surgical management of Madelung's deformity by osteotomy which improves the majority of postoperative radiographic parameters and gives satisfactory clinical and radiographic results after a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. The surgery is influenced by the severity of the distal radial deformity, including protrusion of the lunate and sagittal radial tilt. Level of evidenceIV, Retrospective study.

Radiographic Outcomes of Hemiepiphyseal Stapling for Distal Radius Deformity Due to Multiple Hereditary Exostoses.

Multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) affect the distal forearm in 30% to 60% of patients with this condition. Many surgical interventions have been described, but treatment is controversial. We present the radiographic results of low risk, minimally invasive hemiepiphyseal stapling of the distal radius to correct the joint angulation caused by MHE through growth modulation. A retrospective review was performed on 18 forearms affected by MHE that underwent radial hemiepiphyseal stapling with follow-up of ≥2 years. The radial articular angle, carpal slip, ulnar tilt, lunate subsidence, and metaphyseal epiphyseal angle were measured on preoperative and final postoperative radiographs and compared. Statistically significant (P<0.05) improvements were found in 4 of 5 measurements, including the radial articular angle, carpal slip, ulnar tilt, and metaphyseal epiphyseal angle. No statistical difference was found in lunate subsidence (P=0.84). Hemiepiphyseal stapling of the radial side of the distal radius is a simple and effective method for correcting the radiographic deformity of the distal radius and may be an attractive option for the treatment of the distal radial deformity that is characteristic of the disease. Level IV—therapeutic case series.

Effect of Volarly Angulated Distal Radius Fractures on Forearm Rotation and Distal Radioulnar Joint Kinematics

To examine the effect of volar angulation deformities of the distal radius with and without triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) rupture on forearm range of motion and the kinematics of the ulnar head at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during simulated active forearm rotation. Volar angulation deformities of the distal radius with 10° and 20° angulation from the native orientation were created in 8 cadaveric specimens using an adjustable apparatus. Active supination and pronation were performed using a forearm motion simulator. Pronation and supination range of motion was quantified with each deformity. In addition, changes in the dorsovolar position of the ulnar head relative to the radius were calculated after simulating each distal radial deformity. Testing was performed with the TFCC intact and sectioned. Volar angulation deformities of 20° decreased the supination range with preservation of pronation. There was no effect of TFCC status on the range of forearm rotation. With the TFCC intact, volar angulation deformities translated the ulna slightly dorsally in pronation and volarly in supination. After sectioning the TFCC, volar angulation deformities of 10° and 20° translated the ulna dorsally throughout forearm rotation. Volar angulation deformities reduce supination range and alter the DRUJ kinematics. The increased tension in the intact TFCC caused by volar angulation deformities likely prevented the expected dorsovolar displacement at the DRUJ and restricted supination. Dividing the TFCC released the constraining effect on the DRUJ and allowed the ulna to translate dorsally. However, supination remained limited, presumably because of impediment from the dorsally subluxated ulna. This study demonstrated the importance of correcting volar angulation deformities of the distal radius to less than 20° in order to maintain normal range of forearm rotation and to less than 10° to maintain normal DRUJ kinematics when the TFCC is ruptured.

Volar subluxation of the ulnar head in dorsal translation deformities of distal radius fractures: an in vitro biomechanical study.

To quantify the effects of dorsal translation deformities of the distal radius with and without dorsal angulation on volar displacement of the ulnar head during simulated active forearm rotation, both with the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) intact and sectioned conditions. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities were mounted in an active forearm motion simulator, and distal radial deformities of 0, 5, and 10 mm of dorsal translation with 0, 10, 20, and 30 degrees of dorsal angulation were simulated. Volar displacement of the ulnar head at the distal radioulnar joint as a result of each distal radial deformity was quantified during simulated active supination. The data were collected with the TFCC intact and after sectioning the TFCC at its ulnar insertion. Increasing isolated dorsal translation deformities increased volar displacement of the ulnar head when the TFCC was intact (P < 0.001). Increasing dorsal translation combined with dorsal angulation increased volar displacement of the ulnar head compared with isolated dorsal angulation deformities (P < 0.001). Sectioning the TFCC increased the volar displacement of the ulnar head caused by each distal radial deformity (P = 0.001). These results emphasize the clinical importance of evaluating the magnitude of both dorsal translation and dorsal angulation when managing displaced distal radius fractures and malunions.

Commentary on Farshad et al. Corrective osteotomy of distal radial deformities: a new method of guided locking fixed screw positioning

Commentary on Farshad et al. Corrective osteotomy of distal radial deformities: a new method of guided locking fixed screw positioning

Bone bridge resection for correction of distal radial deformities after partial growth plate arrest: two cases and surgical technique

Partial closure of the growth plate is an uncommon complication in the distal radius even though distal radial fractures are among the most common injuries in children. We report two cases of resection of a bony bridge in the distal radial growth plate in boys aged 8 and 9 years with a description of the operative technique.

Corrective osteotomy of distal radial deformities: a new method of guided locking fixed screw positioning

Corrective osteotomy for distal radial malunion is a valuable but at times technically challenging operation. We have developed a new device to aid in the performance of the operation. We compared clinical use of the new technique with the standard technique. In 11 patients treated with the new technique the volar locking plate needed repositioning only once. With the standard technique in 17 patients the plate was repositioned in nine cases and needed bending in six cases. The new method corrected radial inclination (SD of 3° vs. 9°) and ulnar variance (SD of 0.9 mm vs. 1.4 mm) more predictably than the standard technique but there was no advantage in correction of volar tilt (SD of 6° vs. 4°). In our experience the new device makes corrective osteotomy of the distal radius easier and more reliable.

The Effect of Multiplanar Distal Radius Fractures on Forearm Rotation: In Vitro Biomechanical Study

Many patients develop distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) pain and loss of forearm rotation after distal radial fractures. Residual distal radial deformity is one potential cause of DRUJ dysfunction; however, the parameters of distal radial fracture alignment that lead to an acceptable functional outcome are poorly defined in the literature. We used 8 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens in this in vitro study to examine the effect of simulated distal radius fracture misalignment on forearm rotation. A distal radial osteotomy was performed just proximal to the DRUJ and a custom-made, 3-degrees-of-freedom modular implant designed to simulate distal radius fracture deformities was secured in place. This allowed for accurate simulation of dorsal angulation, dorsal translation, and radial shortening, both independently and in combination. We examined the effects of distal radius deformity in the setting of both an intact and sectioned triangular fibrocartilage complex. Pronation was not significantly affected until dorsal angulation reached 30 degrees . Dorsal translation of up to 10 mm or radial shortening up to 5 mm had no effect on forearm rotation. Combined deformities had a greater effect on forearm motion than isolated malpositions. Dorsal angulation of > or =20 degrees combined with 10 mm of dorsal translation or 20 degrees of angulation with 2.5 mm of radial shortening resulted in a significant decrease in forearm pronation. There was no effect of distal radial deformities, either isolated or combined, on the magnitude of forearm rotation after sectioning the triangular fibrocartilage complex. This study demonstrates that a broad range of distal radius fracture malpositions can be tolerated before a notable loss in forearm range of motion is evident. Combined deformities are more likely to result in a clinically important loss of forearm rotation, and this should be considered when choosing the optimal management of patients with displaced distal radial fractures. Disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage releases the tether on the DRUJ, allowing for preservation of forearm motion even in the setting of marked osseous deformities.

Treatment of Madelung's deformity in adults by ulna reduction osteotomy

Purpose: Adult patients with Madelung's deformity may present with ulnar-sided wrist pain. Treatment often involves addressing the distal radial deformity. If there is focal wrist pathology and a positive ulnar variance, however, then an isolated ulnar-shortening osteotomy may provide symptomatic relief in these patients. The purpose of this study was to report our results of ulnar-shortening osteotomy without radial osteotomy in adult patients with Madulung's deformity. Methods: From 1988 to 2001 9 wrists in 9 adult patients with Madelung's deformity and ulnar-sided wrist pain underwent ulnar-shortening osteotomy. The distal radius abnormality was not addressed. All of the patients were women and the average age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range, 29-45 y). Two of the individuals were mesomelic dwarfs and the remaining 7 patients were otherwise normal. Surgery was performed after the patients failed at least 6 months of nonsurgical management. Results: All patients had improvement of their symptoms at an average follow-up evaluation of 42 months (range, 6-112 mo). All of the osteotomies united. One patient required replating for a delayed union. There were no infections and no ulnar carpal subluxation. Ulnar-positive variance correction averaged 4.4 mm. Postoperative range of motion and grip strength were equivalent to the contralateral wrist. Conclusions: Ulnar-shortening osteotomy is a safe and reliable surgical procedure that can relieve ulnar-sided wrist pain in adult patients with symptomatic Madelung's deformity and positive ulnar variance. (J Hand Surg 2003;28A:421-426. Copyright © 2003 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)

Complications Following Distal Radial Fractures

Union with deformity is the most common complication following a distal radial fracture1-5. The deformity may be extra-articular, characterized by loss of length and metaphyseal angulation; it may be intra-articular, involving either the radiocarpal or the radioulnar joint, or both; or it may be a combination of the two. Surgical treatment of a symptomatic malunion of the distal part of the radius has been recognized for more than 200 years. Resection of the distal aspect of the ulna for the management of pain at the distal radioulnar joint after a distal radial fracture, a procedure attributed to Darrach after his description in 19136, had been suggested by Desault in 17917 and again by Moore in 18808. In 1937, Campbell described a corrective osteotomy of the distal part of the radius with use of an interpositional bone graft obtained from the distal part of the ulna9. In 1945, Merle d’Aubigne and Joussement described a multiple-facet curved osteotomy without the need for an interpositional bone graft10. This concept is currently being revisited and will be described. A deformity following fracture of the distal part of the radius is not necessarily symptomatic. In fact, it is not uncommon for an older patient to have acceptable wrist and forearm function without pain even when there is an apparent deformity. Therefore, impairment of function rather than radiographic deformity is the reason to treat a distal radial malunion, and, consequently, the patient’s wrist and forearm function must be assessed. The most common deformity following a malunited extra-articular Colles type of fracture is the loss of the normal volar tilt of the articular surface in the sagittal plane, loss of ulnar inclination in the frontal plane, loss of length relative to the ulna, and …

Radiologic Evaluation of Hand and Wrist Motion

Abnormal motion due to instability at the carpus and distal radioulnar joint can be difficult to diagnose clinically, and radiologic evaluation can be very helpful. The anatomy and kinematics are complex, and a directed approach is necessary to detect the findings that may be subtle and transient. Plain radiographic evaluation of the distal radioulnar joint is very sensitive to slight variations in patient position, and CT is more accurate when pain or cast immobilization make positioning difficult or when there is associated distal radial deformity. Static carpal instability patterns are present on routine radiographs where examination of the lateral view provides the key to diagnosis. The relations between the longitudinal axes of the radius, lunate, capitate, and scaphoid form the basis for classification of these instabilities. In dynamic carpal instability, routine radiographs are normal. The instability is demonstrated only with positional change or manipulation. Motion views can be very helpful, although direct observation of wrist motion on videotape fluoroscopy is the key to the diagnosis of dynamic instability. MR imaging motion studies provide better soft tissue definition and may show subtle changes in the triangular-fibrocartilage-associated distal radioulnar instability, as well as periarticular tendon subluxation about the wrist. The clinical role of MR imaging in the evaluation of wrist motion has yet to be clearly defined.