Distal Metaphysis Of Radius Research Articles

Increase in lumbar spine but not distal radius bone mineral density in adults after pancreas kidney transplantation

Osteoporosis occurs in every third individual after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPKT). Currently used bone measures insufficiently predict their fracture risk. Lumbar spine Trabecular bone score (TBS) and distal radius areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) were monitored for the first time in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic renal failure after SPKT with steroid-sparing protocol. In 33 subjects (mean age 43.4 ± 9.8 years), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were performed just after SPKT (baseline) and one and three years later. While TBS Z-scores increased (−1.1 ± 1.2 and −0.3 ± 1.0; p˂0.001, at baseline and year three, respectively), trabecular volumetric BMD Z-scores at distal radius metaphysis did not change during the study (−1.3 ± 1.3 and −1.3 ± 1.0; p = 0.38). Similarly, areal BMD Z-scores increased at lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck (all p < 0.01), but not at the distal radius. SPKT induced bone measures' improvement at lumbar spine and hip but not at distal radius. Before suggesting changes in current clinical care, predictive value of individual bone measures or its combination for fracture risk assessment remains to be elucidated.

A descriptive longitudinal study of functional outcome in intra-articular distal end radius fracture with volar displacement treated by locking compression plate

Background: The distal radius metaphysis is composed mainly of cancellous bone. On articular surface there is a biconcave articulating surface with the proximally placed carpal row (scaphoid and lunate fossae) and also a notch for articulation with the ulna. Objective of the research was to study the functional outcome in distal end radius fracture with volar displacement treated by locking compression plate. Methods: A hospital based descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted with 114 patients aged between 20-60 years to assess functional outcome in patients of distal end radius fracture with volar displacement treated by locking compression plate. Results: According to demerit point score system of Gartland and Werley, 75 (69.4%) patients had excellent score while 24 (17.5%) and 15 (13.1%) patients had good and fair score respectively. No patient had poor score. 6 (5.3%) and 2 (1.8%) patients had superficial infection and hypertrophic scar respectively while 1 (0.9%) patient had developed malunion. Conclusions: Volar plating has excellent functional outcome with minimal complications thus proving that it is the prime modality of treatment for distal radius fractures.

Сonservative treatment of fractures of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius

The research represents the results of conservative complex rehabilitation treatment of the patients with fractures of distal radius metaphysis on immobilization stage. The use of multimodal pain control, hardware repositioning of fragments, fixation by Sсоtсhсаst/Sоftсаst semi-rigid fixation, pharmaceutic treatment using termoasymmetric index ΔТ, kineziotherapy, massage and physiotherapy made it possible for us to achieve positive results in the majority of cases. According to the questionnary scales DN4, VAS and DASH, satisfactory results of treatment have been achieved in 94,4% of cases.

Minimal invasive plating of distal radius fractures. A safe procedure?

BackgroundMinimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with preservation of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle represents a new technique for stabilization of distal radius fractures. However, the complex anatomy of the distal radius metaphysis requires implants with features that address all morphologic specifics of this area to avoid complications, which are still reported with this technique. It was the aim of our anatomic investigation to evaluate the feasibility of plate insertion via a minimal transverse approach as well as the risk of soft- tissues compromise with the use of an implant, which is only partially adapted to the characteristics of distal radius metaphysis. MethodsTwenty forearm specimens, conservated with Thiels method, have been used for this study. The majority (n = 19/20) of implants (2.4 mm small fragment juxta-articular locking compression/ LCP T-plate -5-hole; Depuy - Synthes®, Solothurn, Switzerland) could be inserted easily and all were seated proximal to the so called “watershed line” (n = 20/20). ResultsIn a total of 8/20 specimens close contacts or potential compromise to neighboring soft- tissues was seen: perforation of the PQ muscle by the plate occurred in 2/20 specimens and was related to an extreme muscle morphology. In 7/20 specimens close contacts between the T-plate and other soft tissues were observed, which were exclusively located at the radial edge of the distal transverse bar. They affected the brachio-radialis tendon (elevation: 2/20, side-to-side contact: 3/20, overriding: 1/20) and the radial artery (elevation: 4/20, side-to-side contact: 2/20, overriding: 1/20). No significant differences of morphologic types of PQ muscle and the difficulty of plate insertion, adjustment on the bone, PQ muscle damage and contact to neighboring soft-tissues could be evaluated. ConclusionsInsertion of volar radius plates through a MIPO approach can be easily accomplished without detachment and damage to the PQ muscle even with grossly adapted implants. However, perfectly pre-shaped plates which are adapted to all anatomic aspects of the distal radius metaphysis are required to achieve optimal contact with the metaphyseal bone and to avoid potential complications.

Intraoperative Tilted Posteroanterior View for the Measurement of Distal Radius Articular Step-Off.

The purpose of this study is to more accurately determine distal radius articular step-off in the posteroanterior (PA) view. A cadaveric forearm was osteotomized with varying amounts of articular displacement. A second osteotomy was made through the distal radius metaphysis to create four positions of tilt in the lateral plane (5° and 15° dorsal tilt; 5° and 15° volar tilt). Using fluoroscopy, the beam was positioned in the lateral plane from 25° volar to 20° dorsal, separated by 5° increments, obtaining modified PA images of the distal radius in its various configurations. The images were randomly evaluated for step-off by three hand surgeons in a blinded fashion. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the accuracy between estimated and actual step-off and was demonstrated to be greater when the PA view was parallel to the distal radius tilt in the lateral plane, for all four configurations of distal radius tilt. Data pertaining to the distal radius with 0 mm of step-off did not demonstrate the PA view, parallel to the distal radius tilt, to be superior than the PA views not parallel to the tilt; reaffirming that with anatomic reduction, any fluoroscopic image exhibits good alignment. This study confirms that the most accurate method of accessing PA step-off is to first determine the tilt of the radius on a lateral film and then align the beam in the PA plane to match this tilt.

Vascularized Medial Femoral Condyle Bone Graft for Resistant Nonunion of the Distal Radius.

Nonunion involving the metaphyseal region of the distal radius is exceedingly rare, usually involving co-morbidity. Patients that have failed multiple prior conventional surgical interventions represent an even more difficult subset to treat; this investigation examined the utility of a specially designed free vascularized medial femoral condyle flap consisting of a central structural block graft with an extended corticoperiosteal sleeve to wrap around the junctions. Six patients (5 males, 1 female) with a mean age of 52 years had failed to achieve union involving the distal radius metaphysis after a mean of 3.7 prior surgeries occurring over a mean period of 24 months. Comorbidities included smoking, alcoholism, chronic nutritional deficiency, and prior osteomyelitis. The unique descending genicular artery medial femoral condyle flap designed to address these patients consisted of a central structural block graft in continuity with an extended corticoperiosteal sleeve. The structural block filled the bone defect, and the corticoperiosteal sleeve wrapped around the bone junctions and the neighboring bone margins. The mean flap size was 5.3 (+/- 1.3) cm long by 4.5 (+/- 0.9) cm wide. Pre-operative to post-operative DASH scores were compared using the paired student' s t-test, with p < 0.05. All flaps achieved union at a mean of 6.8 (+/- 2.1) weeks following surgery, using the criteria of bridging trabeculae on all 3 radiographs: coronal, sagittal, and oblique. The mean pre-operative DASH score of 63 (+/- 10) was statistically significantly different compared to the mean post-operative DASH score of 18 (+/- 8). With few alternative solutions able to address this unique and difficult problem, the structural block of vascularized bone with the extended corticoperiosteal sleeve proved able to achieve a union that had failed multiple previous attempts and able to resist reactivation of infection, in a challenging group of patients with comorbidities.

Site-specific, adult bone benefits attributed to loading during youth: A preliminary longitudinal analysis

We examined site-specific bone development in relation to childhood and adolescent artistic gymnastics exposure, comparing up to 10years of prospectively acquired longitudinal data in 44 subjects, including 31 non-gymnasts (NON) and 13 gymnasts (GYM) who participated in gymnastics from pre-menarche to ≥1.9years post-menarche. Subjects underwent annual regional and whole-body DXA scans; indices of bone geometry and strength were calculated. Anthropometrics, physical activity, and maturity were assessed annually, coincident with DXA scans. Non-linear mixed effect models centered growth in bone outcomes at menarche and adjusted for menarcheal age, height, and non-bone fat-free mass to evaluate GYM-NON differences. A POST-QUIT variable assessed the withdrawal effect of quitting gymnastics. Curves for bone area, mass (BMC), and strength indices were higher in GYM than NON at both distal radius metaphysis and diaphysis (p<0.0001). At the femoral neck, greater GYM BMC (p<0.01), narrower GYM endosteal diameter (p<0.02), and similar periosteal width (p=0.09) yielded GYM advantages in narrow neck cortical thickness and buckling ratio (both p<0.001; lower BR indicates lower fracture risk). Lumbar spine and sub-head BMC were greater in GYM than NON (p<0.036). Following gymnastics cessation, GYM slopes increased for distal radius diaphysis parameters (p≤0.01) and for narrow neck BR (p=0.02). At the distal radius metaphysis, GYM BMC and compressive strength slopes decreased, as did slopes for lumbar spine BMC, femoral neck BMC, and narrow neck cortical thickness (p<0.02). In conclusion, advantages in bone mass, geometry, and strength at multiple skeletal sites were noted across growth and into young adulthood in girls who participated in gymnastics loading to at least 1.9years post-menarche. Following gymnastics cessation, advantages at cortical bone sites improved or stabilized, while advantages at corticocancellous sites stabilized or diminished. Additional longitudinal observation is necessary to determine whether residual loading benefits enhance lifelong skeletal strength.

Posterior Interosseous Artery Distal Radius Graft for Ulnar Nonunion Treatment

The aim of our study was to describe a dorsal distal radius vascularized bone graft pedicled on the posterior interosseous artery (PIA), and its clinical application in 2 cases of ulnar nonunion. We studied the surgical technique in 5 freshly injected cadavers. The 4th extensor compartment artery originates from the anastomotic arch between the posterior division of the anterior interosseous artery and the PIA and provides periosteal branches to supply the dorsal distal radius metaphysis. A 2-cm vascularized bone graft can be harvested from the radius, and dissection of the PIA enables a long pedicle with a wide arc of rotation able to reach the ulnar diaphysis. The approach is limited to the forearm and distal radius and has minimal donor morbidity.

Using a Vascularized Bone Graft from the Distal Metaphysis of Radius in Treating Scaphoid Nonunion: First Report from a Developing Country

Scaphoid fractures are common and prone to nonunion if left untreated. In this study, the outcome of using a vascularized bone graft was investigated in scaphoid nonunion. Twenty patients with scaphoid nonunion were recruited from Shohada Hospital. A reverse-flow vascularized bone graft was obtained from the distal metaphysis of radius and inserted into the gap of scaphoid fracture. Long and short thumb spica casts were used for 1.5 and 2 months thereafter, respectively. Union, motion, pain and the patients' satisfaction rate were documented. Twenty patients, 19 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 25.15 +/- 6.62 (range: 17-40) years were studied. The fractured were in the waist of the bone in 17 cases and in the proximal pole in 3 cases. Preoperative pain and pain plus compromised grip strength were reported in 11 and 9 patients, respectively. The rate of patients with pain decreased significantly after operation (100 to 25%; p < 0.001). Complications happened in 7 patients (35%) after operation including pin fracture (n = 2), change of occupation (n = 2), nonunion (n = 1), delayed union (n = 1) and irritation (n = 1). Union achieved after 10.71 +/- 1.62 (range: 8-14) weeks in average, post-operation. Mayo wrist score improved significantly at the endpoint. The range of motion of the wrist did not change significantly after operation. Eighty percent of the patients rated the satisfaction rate as good to excellent. This study is the first one from a developing country indicating that the technique of using a reverse-flow vascularized bone graft in treating scaphoid nonunion is considerably successful and safe.

GENICULAR CORTICOPERIOSTEAL FLAP SALVAGE OF RESISTANT ATROPHIC NON-UNION OF THE DISTAL RADIUS METAPHYSIS

Non-union at the metaphyseal level is rare following a fracture of the distal radius. When a non-union does occur, it is usually easily treated with cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest. Resistant and multiply operated atrophic non-unions more frequently occur at the diaphyseal level of long bones. A corticoperiosteal free flap based on the articular branch of the descending genicular artery has previously been described to treat such difficult non-union cases in various sites, but not at the distal radius. At the distal radius metaphysis, the close relationship with the extensor tendons raises concern regarding the ability to fit this free flap to the non-union site without significant interference with tendon function. By careful technique of crumbling the cortex of the flap without tearing the periosteal continuity, the flap can be contoured and snugly fit to this particular site while preserving tendon function. A unique case is presented of a multiply operated resistant atrophic non-union of the distal radius metaphysis in a heavy smoker that was rapidly healed using the genicular corticoperiosteal free flap.

External fixator by Mitkovic in the treatment of comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius

Comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius metaphysis are a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to present results of the survey on treatment of these fractures using an external fixator. 73 patients (30 females and 43 males) with closed comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius, type C AO/ASIF (based on radiography at the moment of injury) were treated by a Mitkovic external fixator and followed-up for at least 2 years. An external fixator and Kirschner wires were used in 43 patients. An external fixator without Kirschner wires was used in 30 patients. At the end of treatment, functional results and outcomes were excellent in 39 (53.4%), good in 19 (26%), fair in 10 (13.7%), and poor in 5 (6.8%) patients according to Jakim score. Lesser degree of limitation of the movement of the wrist joint was established in 19 patients (26%). Joint incongruity of the distal radius, 0-2 mm, was observed in 22 patients (30%) and over 2 mm in 3 patients. A minimal degree of posttraumatic osteoarthrosis was recorded in 21 patients (28.7%) and moderate ostheoarthrosis in 5 patients (6.8%). The anatomic reduction of the articular surfaces and healing of the fracture in a proper functional position are prerequisites for adequate function of the wrist and hand. It appears that an external fixator, with or without Kirschner wires, can be a method of choice in treatment of these complex articular fractures.

Supplemental pinning improves the stability of external fixation in distal radius fractures during simulated finger and forearm motion.

External fixation is commonly used in the treatment of distal radius fractures. In this in vitro study, we investigated changes in fracture stability when using supplemental radial styloid pinning in combination with external fixation. Eight previously frozen cadaveric upper extremities were mounted in a computer-controlled wrist-loading apparatus. This device was used to generate finger and forearm motions through loading relevant tendons. An unstable extra-articular distal radius fracture was simulated by removing a dorsal wedge from the distal radius metaphysis. An electromagnetic tracking system measured fragment motion following randomized application of a Hoffman external fixator, a Hoffman external fixator with 2 supplemental radial styloid pins, and a dorsal 3.5-mm AO plate. Regardless of the fixation technique used in this unstable fracture model, fragment motion occurred when postoperative finger and forearm motions were simulated. The addition of radial styloid pins to a construct stabilized by an external fixator significantly improved fragment stability, approaching that achieved with the dorsal AO plate.