Distal Radial Osteotomy Research Articles

Current Concepts: Corrective Osteotomy for Extra-Articular Deformity Following a Distal Radius Fracture.

Fracture malunion alters wrist and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) biomechanics, resulting in incongruence and instability of the DRUJ. Selected patients with painful functional limitation and significant deformity of the radius, but without advanced degenerative joint disease, may benefit from corrective distal radial osteotomy. Non-union and complications arising from metalwork are the most common reasons for reoperation. Surgeons should have a good understanding of risks and complications in order to fully inform their patients and manage expectations. This article reviews the biomechanical effects of radial malunion and the current concepts for treatment. Distal radial osteotomy is suitable for symptomatic patients with angular radial deformity and shortening. Evidence supports a volar approach without bone grafts for modest corrections. Bone grafts or synthetic bone substitutes are appropriate for larger corrections. Functional improvements are reported regardless of technique. Despite a high complication rate, patient satisfaction with the corrective radial osteotomy is high.

Change in capitate shift after osteotomy for distal radial fracture malunion.

Loss of anterior tilt after a distal radial fracture can lead to carpal malalignment, which may cause functional impairment. The aim of this study was to establish whether distal radial osteotomy for malunion, which primarily restores the dorsal tilt, will also improve carpal malalignment as measured by capitate shift. Radiographs of 67 patients who underwent osteotomy after malunion of a distal radial fracture were reviewed. Measurements of capitate shift and dorsal tilt were recorded. Linear regression modelling was used to assess the relationship between dorsal tilt and capitate shift. Change in capitate shift was strongly associated with change in dorsal tilt following osteotomy. This relationship was maintained on long-term radiographs. Capitate shift is strongly related to dorsal tilt following a distal radial fracture. Correcting the dorsal tilt during an osteotomy, therefore, will improve capitate shift and carpal malalignment. Capitate shift is unrelated to age, sex and is easy to visually assess.Level of evidence: IV.

Failure of VariAx® Distal Radial Locking Plate: Fractographic Analysis and Report of Two Cases

We describe two cases of atraumatic fracture of VariAx® distal radial locking plate following its use in distal radial osteotomies. The plates fractured through an unused screw hole at the level of the osteotomy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the fracture surfaces. This confirmed that there had been fatigue failure and did not find evidence of abnormal composition or structure of the metal. These cases are important because they highlight that this new and innovative implant can be prone to failure, and demonstrate the requirement for adequate surgical technique and metalwork protection following surgery.

Retrospective study of radial dome osteotomy with volar plate fixation versus K-wires in Madelung's deformity: long-term follow-up.

The emerging role of the locking plate improved the technique also in corrective osteotomies in Madelung's deformity, but there is a lack of analyses between the fixation techniques, as well as little information in functional outcomes and long-term follow-up. The current study compared the outcomes, pitfalls, and advantages of volar plate and screws fixation versus K-wires fixation in a long-term follow-up. Twenty-eight children presenting the "distal radius" variant of Madelung's deformity underwent Vickers ligament release and distal radial dome osteotomy between 2009 and 2015. Twenty-three children (20 females and 3 males, mean age 15 years and 7 months at surgery and 24 years and 8 moths at follow-up), with 26 operatively treated wrists, were available for follow-up. A retrospective two-cohort study, evaluating clinically and radiologically results, has been conducted with a mean eight years and seven months follow-up. Bone union and pain relief were obtained in all cases, as well as improvements in wrist motion and radiographic indices. A statistically significant correlation was identified between the volar plate fixation and an improved lunate subsidence on X-ray, and a trend towards an improved DASH score in the cohort with plate and screws, as well as significant improvement in wrist extension and supination always in the plate fixation cohort. The long-term follow-up enabled the patients to report on more definitive outcomes in terms of functional and cosmetic improvements. Volar plate fixation is an effective technique allowing for simple post-operative management and earlier rehabilitation program with improved clinical and radiographic outcomes.

CORRECTIVE OSTEOTOMY OF MALUNITED FRACTURE DISTAL RADIUS (SHORT TERM FOLLOW UP)

Background: Malunion distal radius involving shortening of the radius may result in disruption of the distal radioulnar joint, chronic pain, loss of both supination and pronation, and cosmetic deformity. Shortening often accompanies dorsal angulation, and a relatively positive ulna variance is produced. With malunion caused by extra-articular fractures, pain may develop in the distal radioulnar joint secondary to abnormal stresses resulting from radial shortening and occasionally from disruption of the distal radioulnar ligaments. Objective: To evaluate the locked plate fixation after corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius without using graft (short term follow up). Patients and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 20 patients were treated for malunited distal radius fracture by open wedge distal radial osteotomy. Follow-up included review of patient records and patient contact and all are done at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All Patients undergoing general /local and radiological examinations. All patients have been treated by open wedge & Volar Locked plates and followed up postoperative by for clinical assessment including range of motion, and pain. Results: All patients reported improvement in work abilities. 14 patients gradually returned to their work within 3 to 7 months. However, 2 cases chosed to return to modified duties. Pain relieved in 13 wrists. The remaining 7 patients reported mild pain which had been improved significantly. Conclusion: Outcome scores as well as pre- and postoperative range of motion and grip strength tests document significant by improved in function. This allowed earlier return to normal activities with no recorded complications.

CORRECTIVE OSTEOTOMY OF MALUNITED FRACTURE DISTAL RADIUS (SHORT TERM FOLLOW UP)

Background: Malunion distal radius involving shortening of the radius may result in disruption of the distal radioulnar joint, chronic pain, loss of both supination and pronation, and cosmetic deformity. Shortening often accompanies dorsal angulation, and a relatively positive ulna variance is produced. With malunion caused by extra-articular fractures, pain may develop in the distal radioulnar joint secondary to abnormal stresses resulting from radial shortening and occasionally from disruption of the distal radioulnar ligaments. Objective: To evaluate the locked plate fixation after corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius without using graft (short term follow up). Patients and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 20 patients were treated for malunited distal radius fracture by open wedge distal radial osteotomy. Follow-up included review of patient records and patient contact and all are done at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All Patients undergoing general /local and radiological examinations. All patients have been treated by open wedge & Volar Locked plates and followed up postoperative by for clinical assessment including range of motion, and pain. Results: All patients reported improvement in work abilities. 14 patients gradually returned to their work within 3 to 7 months. However, 2 cases chosed to return to modified duties. Pain relieved in 13 wrists. The remaining 7 patients reported mild pain which had been improved significantly. Conclusion: Outcome scores as well as pre- and postoperative range of motion and grip strength tests document significant by improved in function. This allowed earlier return to normal activities with no recorded complications.

Factors associated with one-year outcome after distal radial fracture treatment.

To identify factors that affect functional outcome one year after distal radial fracture treatment. 521 women and 121 men aged 16 to 92 (mean, 59) years with distal radial fractures underwent external fixation (n=123), open reduction and internal fixation (n=63), a combination of both (n=10), distal radial osteotomy for symptomatic malunion (n=90), or casting with (n=194) or without (n=162) prior closed manipulation under regional anaesthesia. The indication for surgery (rather than casting) was metaphyseal instability. Radiographic evaluation (dorsal angulation, radial shortening, carpal malalignment, and malunion) was made before and after treatment and after fracture healing. Functional evaluation (range of movement, grip strength, and activities of daily living) was made at a mean of 16 (range, 6-54) months after injury. After multiple regression analysis, poorer functional score was associated with increasing age (p<0.001), dorsal angulation after healing (p<0.016), presence of volar comminution (p=0.005), and pain (p<0.001). Poorer grip strength was associated with non-dominant side injury, increasing age, dorsal angulation after healing, positive ulnar variance, comminution, and pain (all p<0.001). Predicted malunion showed colinearity with age (r=0.657), dorsal comminution (r=0.694), and dorsal angulation (r=0.626). Understanding factors associated with outcome helps surgeons to make the treatment decision for distal radial fracture to achieve optimum outcome.

Carpal malalignment in malunion of the distal radius and the effect of corrective osteotomy.

Introduction Malunions of the distal radius often induce carpal malalignment. Two different types can be distinguished: an adaptive midcarpal malalignment (so-called CIA wrist: carpal instability, adaptive) and a radiocarpal malalignment (dorsal translation of the whole carpus). The effect of distal radial osteotomy on the carpal alignment has hardly been studied. Material and Methods 31 wrists in 31 patients (mean age 44 years) with malunion of the distal radius after a Colles fracture were treated with a corrective osteotomy. The patients were divided on basis of effective radio-lunate flexion (ERLF) in the two patterns of carpal malalignment. The radiographic changes were evaluated. Results There were 20 patients with midcarpal malalignment (ERLF ≤ 25°) and 11 with radiocarpal malalignment (ERLF > 25°). There was a correction of radial tilt and ulnar variance in both groups. There was a significant improvement of the carpal alignment in the midcarpal malalignment group, up to normal parameters. Neither age nor delay between fracture and osteotomy correlated. In the radiocarpal malalignment group a significant effect on the ERLF was observed. In the patients with dorsal plating 70% of the hardware had to be removed. Conclusion Distal radial osteotomy is a reliable technique for correction of the deformity at the distal end of the radius and carpal malalignment.

Correction of Biapical Radial Deformities by Use of Bi‐Level Hinged Circular External Fixation and Distraction Osteogenesis in 13 Dogs

To describe clinical, radiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) assessment of biapical deformities of the radius in dogs and evaluate the effectiveness of their management by use of bilevel hinged circular external fixation frames. Prospective, non-randomized cohort study. Dogs (N = 26: 13 with 14 limbs operated, 13 controls). CT scans of the forelimbs were performed and CT-based polymer replicas prepared. Rotation within the elbow joint, varus of the proximal portion of the radius, radial torsion, valgus of the distal portion of the radius, procurvatum, and rotation within the carpal joint were measured on radiographs, on polymer replicas, and on CT scans. Bilevel hinged circular external fixation frames were assembled on polymer replicas and identical frames were placed on dogs. Torsion was corrected acutely and angulation was corrected progressively. Functional outcome was assessed subjectively. Buckling was present preoperatively in operated limbs. Mean (± SD) varus of the proximal portion of the radius was 36 ± 8°, valgus of the distal portion of the radius was 32 ± 5°, external radial torsion was 35 ± 6°, procurvatum was 41 ± 10°, and medial translation was 44 ± 11 mm. Treatment duration was 80 ± 24 days. Buckling was not observed after surgery. Lameness scores improved in all dogs (P < .001). The forelimbs of dogs with severe biapical radial deformities buckle and have increased radial head rotation and radial torsion. Biapical radial deformities can be managed with proximal and distal radial osteotomies and bilevel hinged circular external fixation.

Very Distal Radial Osteotomy For Madelung's Deformity

Madelung's deformity results from arrested or slowed growth of the volar-palmar portion of the distal radial epiphysis. The deformity is characterized by increased volar and ulnar tilt of the articular surface of the radius and a bow of the distal radius in a palmar direction. When Madelung's deformity produces pain and interferes with function, correction of the deformity of the radius and secondary overgrowth of the ulna is desirable. Although osteotomy of the radius near the junction of the middle and distal thirds allows correction of the bow of the radius and limited correction of palmar tilt, it does not permit correction of ulnar tilt. We describe a very distal radial osteotomy that permits correction of the 3 deformities of the distal radius independently; correction of palmar tilt, ulnar tilt, and the bow of the radius are selected individually. The inherent flexibility makes the procedure technically challenging but allows for maximum independent correction of the components of Madelung's deformity. Early results indicate the procedure provides relief of pain and improved appearance with few complications.

In Vitro Comparison of a Novel External Fixator and Traditional Full-Limb Transfixation Pin Cast in Horses

To compare the mechanical properties and failure modes of a standardized short oblique distal radial metaphyseal osteotomy stabilized using either a transfixation pin cast (TPC), a modular-sidebar external skeletal fixator (ESF), or a solid-sidebar ESF (modular- or solid-ESF, respectively) using static or cyclic axial loading to failure. In vitro study. Equine cadaver forelimbs. A 30 degrees oblique distal radial osteotomy was created and stabilized using 1 of the 3 fixation methods: (1) TPC, (2) modular-ESF, or (3) solid-ESF. Limbs were tested using static (TPC, modular-ESF, and solid-ESF) or cyclic (TPC and solid-ESF) axial loading to failure. The stiffness, yield load, yield displacement, failure load, and failure displacement for static loading and the cycles to failure for cyclic loading at 75% failure load were obtained. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Level of significance was P<.05. The solid-ESF had a greater stiffness, higher yield and failure load and a lower yield and failure displacement than the TPC (P=.01) and the modular-ESF (P=.02). TPC had a higher yield load, failure load, and yield displacement than the modular-ESF (P=.01). Mean cycles to failure for TPC was 2996+/-657 at a load of 16,000 N and for solid-ESF 6560+/-90 cycles at a load of 25,000 N. The solid-ESF was stiffer and stronger than the TPC and modular-ESF and failed at a greater number of cycles in axial loading compared with the TPC. This study is an initial step in evaluating the solid-ESF. Further testing needs to be performed, but this fixation may offer a viable alternative to the traditional TPC for stabilization of long bone fractures in adult horses.

Evaluation of Corrective Osteotomy of the Malunited Distal Radius on Midcarpal and Radiocarpal Malalignment

To quantify 2 patterns of carpal malalignment, midcarpal malalignment (type 1) and radiocarpal malalignment (type 2), and to evaluate the effect of distal radius osteotomy on these malalignment patterns. In a retrospective review, we studied 31 wrists treated with corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion after Colles' fracture, in 31 patients (mean age, 44 y). The patients were divided on the basis of effective radiolunate flexion (ERLF) into 2 patterns of carpal malalignment as measured on preoperative radiographs. There were 20 patients with midcarpal malalignment (ERLF < or = 25 degrees ) and 11 with radiocarpal malalignment (ERLF > 25 degrees ). Measurements of alignment were repeated after distal radius osteotomy and compared with preoperative values. Both groups had correction of radial tilt and ulnar variance with distal radius osteotomy. In the midcarpal malalignment group, carpal alignment improved to normal parameters. In the radiocarpal malalignment group, we observed a notable effect on the ERLF. Neither age of the subject nor delay between fracture and osteotomy correlated with improvement in carpal alignment. Distal radial osteotomy is a reliable technique for correction of the deformity at the distal end of the radius and both radiocarpal and midcarpal malalignment. Therapeutic IV.

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.

Different osteosyntheses for Colles' fracture

Background and purpose In recent years several different plate designs for internal fixation of fractures of the distal radius have been developed. However, few biomechanical studies have been performed to compare these new implants. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of 5 different commercially available plates (3 volar and 2 dorsal) with standard K-wire fixation using a distal radial cadaver model.Material and methods 42 human radial bones from 26 cadavers were included. The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DEXA in all bones, and the radial bones were assigned to 6 equiv alent groups based on bone density and total amount of mineral. A distal radial osteotomy was done and a dorsal 30-degree wedge of bone was removed. 1 K-wire fixation group and 5 plate groups were tested for rigidity, yield load, and maximum load.Results When data from dorsally and volarly applied plates were pooled, we did not find any statistically significant differences between them regarding stiffness, yield load, and maximum load. The K-wire group showed significantly lower yield load than 3 of the plate groups. There were no statistically significant differences in yield load between the 5 plate groups. The K-wire group showed lower rigidity than the plate groups. The K-wire group and 1 plate group failed at a statistically significant lower maximum load than the 4 other plate groups.Interpretation The volar plates had the same mechanical stability as the dorsally applied plates, and they are therefore a good alternative to dorsally applied plates. K-wire osteosynthesis was inferior to plate osteosyntheses regarding all mechanical properties.

Biomechanische Studie zu vier winkelstabilen distalen palmaren Radiusplatten und einer nichtwinkelstabilen Radiusplatte: Steifigkeit und Versagenstests am Kadavermodell / Biomechanical study of four palmar locking plates and one non-locking palmar plate for distal radius fractures: stiffness and load to failure tests in a cadaver model

Five different palmar fixation plate designs were compared in a distal radial osteotomy cadaver model with regard to their biomechanical properties. A metaphyseal osteotomy gap of 1 cm was performed and the osteosynthesis was plated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Axial load was applied to the construct by a pneumatic material testing machine. Five implant groups with eight cadavers each were tested concerning stiffness. None of the constructs developed deformity and movement of the fracture gap larger than 2 mm with a load of 100 N. Increasing the load to 250 N revealed significant differences in stiffness and failure load between the different plates. The mean stiffness under axial load (mean+/-standard deviation) was 356.4+/- 138.6 N/mm for the radius correction plate without lateral tongue, 299.7+/-86.3 N/mm for the radius correction plate with lateral tongue, 132.8+/-41.5 N/mm for the distal volar radius plate, 112.5+/-40.2 N/mm for the 3.5 mm titanium locking compression plate and 91.9+/-29.2 N/mm for the standard stainless steel 3.5 mm T-Plate. The non-angular stable implant (STP plate) had the lowest stiffness. Unexpectedly, there were differences over 100% concerning the stiffness between the at first glance nearly similar angular stable implants. Additionally, a review of the literature concerning biomechanical investigations of the distal radial fracture was performed.

Distal radial osteotomy for malunion using non–bridging external fixation

Background and purpose Symptomatic malunion of the distal radius is a common problem and is treated by distal radial osteotomy. Plating is commonly used but has a high rate of plate removal. This study is a report of the functional and radiographic outcome of a prospective series of distal radial osteotomies using non‐bridging external fixation.Methods 23 patients with a median age of 60 (18-84) years underwent distal radial osteotomy using non‐bridging external fixation and bone grafting for dorsal malunion of a fracture of the distal radius. There were no cases of intraarticular malunion. Radiographic, functional, and patient‐assessed outcomes were assessed preoperatively and until 6 months after surgery.Results The mean preoperative dorsal angle of 20 (5-40) degrees was corrected to over 5 (0-15) degrees of volar tilt (p < 0.001) and the mean preoperative positive ulnar variance of 3.9 (0-8) mm was corrected to 2.5 (0-8) mm (p = 0.005). Carpal alignment was restored in 22 of the 23 patients. 5 patients required simultaneous ulnar surgery, 1 required ulnar shortening, and 4 required modified Bower's procedures. By 6 months postoperatively, all measures of function except extension and key grip strength showed statistically significant improvements in their means. The SF36 showed statistical improvements in two domains, role physical and bodily pain. There were 2 patients with extensor pollicis longus ruptures and 13 with minor pin‐track infections.Interpretation Distal radial osteotomy for dorsal malunion of the distal radius using non‐bridging external fixation is a successful technique for correction of deformity and restoration of function, with the advantages of being less invasive and not requiring further surgery for removal of metalwork.

Cyclic pneumatic soft-tissue compression accelerates the union of distal radial osteotomies in an ovine model

The aim of this randomised, controlled in vivo study in an ovine model was to investigate the effect of cyclic pneumatic pressure on fracture healing. We performed a transverse osteotomy of the right radius in 37 sheep. They were randomised to a control group or a treatment group where they received cyclic loading of the osteotomy by the application of a pressure cuff around the muscles of the proximal forelimb. Sheep from both groups were killed at four or six weeks. Radiography, ultrasonography, biomechanical testing and histomorphometry were used to assess the differences between the groups. The area of periosteal callus, peak torsional strength, fracture stiffness, energy absorbed over the first 10 degrees of torsion and histomorphometric analysis all showed that the osteotomies treated with the cyclic pneumatic pressure at four weeks were not significantly different from the control osteotomies at six weeks.

Ex vivo comparison of a novel tapered-sleeve and traditional full-limb transfixation pin cast for distal radial fracture stabilization in the horse

Distal radial fractures in adult horses are examples of long-bone fractures that are not always amenable to internal fixation. These fractures are often open, contaminated, severely comminuted, and located adjacent to the antebrachiocarpal joint. There have been few studies to improve upon the methods of stabilization of this type of fracture. External coaptation incorporating transfixation pins is one method that has been used to stabilize distal radial fractures in horses (1-3). The purpose of this preliminary study was to compare the load to failure in simulated weight-bearing of a novel tapered-sleeve transfixation pin cast (TSTPC) (4) with the traditional transfixation pin cast (TPC) in an ex vivo distal radial fracture model. Ten adult equine cadaveric forelimbs were randomly placed into a TPC group (n = 5) or a TSTPC group (n = 5). An oblique distal radial osteotomy was created prior to application of fibreglass cast material. The limbs were loaded in a single cycle to failure in simulated weight-bearing using an axial load. The mean load to failure for the TSTPC group (35,814 N) was significantly greater than in the TPC group (22,344 N) (p = 0.003). Tapered sleeves in conjunction with TPC warrant further investigation because they may prolong the life of the fixation, prevent or diminish fractures through the pin sites, and increase the load capacity of external coaptation used to stabilize equine fractures.

Rotational osteotomies for congenital radioulnar synostosis

In five children, six forearms with a fixed pronation deformity secondary to congenital radioulnar synostosis were treated by a derotation osteotomy of the distal radius and the midshaft of the ulna. There were three boys and two girls with a mean age of 4.9 years (3.5 to 8.25) who were followed up for a mean of 29 months (18 to 43). The position of the forearm was improved from a mean pronation deformity of 68 degrees (40 degrees to 80 degrees ) to a pre-planned position of 10 degrees of supination in all cases. Bony union was achieved by 6.3 weeks with no loss of correction. There was one major complication involving a distal radial osteotomy which required exploration for a possible compartment syndrome.

Staged Reconstruction for Malunited Fractures of the Distal Radius

This prospective study assessed the outcomes of 26 symptomatic malunited distal radial fractures which were treated with an opening wedge corrective osteotomy and bone grafting with rigid fixation. An ulnar shortening osteotomy was subsequently required as a second-stage operation in five cases to restore normal ulnar variance. A wrist arthroscopy was indicated as a third stage procedure with persistent ulnar sided wrist pain in order to address central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage. Satisfactory functional scores were achieved by 20 of the 26 patients after distal radial osteotomy alone and, 24 of the 26 after subsequent ulnar shortening osteotomies and arthroscopy when necessary. The one, two or three stage concept of reconstructing the malunited distal end radius could optimise the outcome rather than using a single-stage strategy.