Palmar Plate Osteosynthesis Research Articles

Comparison of surgical and conservative therapy in older patients with distal radius fracture: a prospective randomized clinic al trial

IntroductionThe distal radius fracture is considered the most common fracture in humans. For fractures classified as Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthese (AO) 23-C1 + C2, there is no consensus on treatment in older patients due to inconsistent study results. The aim of this study was to compare conservative and surgical treatment in relation to wrist function and satisfaction in patients older than 65 years.MethodsIn this prospective randomized clinical trial, patients aged older than 65 years who suffered an isolated AO-classified C1 or C2 distal radius fracture were randomized to surgical treatment using palmar plate osteosynthesis or conservative treatment. Patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score and disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) was assessed 3, 6 and 12 months post-interventionally. Satisfaction, range of motion (ROM) and pain scores were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months post-interventionally.ResultsA total of 80 patients with a mean age of 77.3 years (± 6.1 years) in the conservative group and 72.5 years (± 5.3 years) in the surgery group were included. Both the PRWE score, and the DASH score showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups after 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (p < 0.001). Patients in the surgical cohort showed a statistically significant higher satisfaction at the 6-week, 6-month and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001 6 weeks + 12 months; p = 0.004 6 months).ConclusionIn this prospective randomized study, surgical treatment proved to be superior to conservative treatment in terms of the primary outcome variable PRWE score. Satisfaction was significantly better in the surgical group.

Posttraumatic growth disturbances of the distal radius in childhood

Fractures of the distal radius in childhood are frequent but rarely lead to relevant growth disturbances. The experiences of apediatric trauma center over 15years are exemplarily presented and discussed. Osteotomies of the distal radius were selected and the clinical and radiological findings were recorded and analyzed. Posttraumatic growth disturbances were corrected in 10 cases with amedian age of 13 ½ years. In six cases an iatrogenic cause was also possible. In two cases callus distraction with secondary palmar plate osteosynthesis was used for consolidation. In eight cases primary ad hoc corrections were carried out using palmar plate osteosynthesis (six with iliac crest and two with allogeneic grafts). In five cases the distal ulnar growth plate was also addressed. During follow-up breakage of one plate was registered. After an average of 31months postoperatively, 9 children had full range of motion (ROM) and in 1 case there was an extension deficit of 10o. It is important to evaluate the cause of the mostly partially inhibiting growth disturbances to draw preventive conclusions. From a clinical perspective the visible deformity is given priority and the pain and functional limitations are less relevant. The indications for corrective surgery must include the age of the patient, remaining growth potential, size and localization of the growth plate bridge, the deformity and the individual wishes of patients and parents. In most cases afull correction is possible with palmar plate osteosynthesis and an iliac crest graft. External fixation and callus distraction is an alternative in cases where the correction is more extensive. The distal ulnar growth plate should be controlled concerning further growth potential before hardware removal.

Standardized reduction and palmar plating of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures for safe and atraumatic reconstruction of the anatomy of the radius

Standardization of palmar plate osteosynthesis in order to consequently achieve physiologic anatomy of the distal radius end. Unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures or fractures that should be treated functionally. Severe intraarticular joint depression that cannot be reduced with either apalmar or arthroscopic assisted approach. Patient in supine position with the forearm supinated on arm table. Radiopalmar incision along the radial border of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Detachment of the pronator quadratus muscle from radial to ulnar. Gross reduction with eventual correction of adorsal or radial shift. Placement of the angular stable plate and preliminary fixation with anonangular stable cortical screw in the long hole at the radius shaft. Fluoroscopic control of axial alignment in the anteroposterior view and of correct distal position of the plate in the lateral view under reduction condition. Placement of one or two angular stable screws at the shaft. Under subtle reduction with flexion, ulnar deviation and axial traction placement of two K‑wires via the holes at the distal edge of the plate. These wires mostly keep reduction maintained while reduction maneuver can be paused. Fluoroscopic control in two planes. Replacement of the wires by distal angular stable screws with the help of the wires as an orientation. In case of insufficient reduction, reduction maneuver can be repeated while the first angular stable screw is locked. Final fluoroscopic control in two planes and ulnar deviation, eventually also in tangential view and clinical testing for stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Wound closure only by skin suture. Application of asterile dressing and apalmar cast. Arm consequently in upright position and active and complete movement of fingers. Palmar below-elbow cast for 2weeks, then movement of wrist without exertion. After regular radiographic control 4-5weeks postoperatively, increase of axial load to normal and, if needed, physiotherapy. Clinical control for irritation of tendons by plate or screws after 1year and eventual plate removal.

Outcome Analysis of Distal Radius Fracture with Orthosis Versus Cast Immobilization after Palmar Plate Osteosynthesis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Although the benefits of hand orthoses were shown in previous studies, they have not been able to establish themselves in clinical routines. With a focus on patient satisfaction, this study aimed to evaluate the latest generation of hand orthoses after palmar plate osteosynthesis for isolated distal radius fractures in comparison with circular plaster casts. 50 patients (16% dropout rate) were randomly assigned to an orthotic group (immobilization by orthosis, OG) or a control group (immobilization by a plaster cast, CG). Intra-articular fractures were present in 74% of the cases, and unstable AO C3 fractures in 26%. Questionnaires on patient satisfaction, documentation of the time required, clinical scores (DASH, SF-36), range of motion, grip measurements and radiographs were used for evaluation. The OG proved to be equivalent to the plaster treatment in terms of patient satisfaction, and stability of the reduction, as well as clinical scores DASH and SF-36. The OG was even superior in terms of personal hygiene (p = 0.011), handling (p = 0.008) and better adaptability (p = 0.013). Significantly less time was required to apply the orthosis (p < 0.001). In addition to the good results achieved so far, the study showed that the latest generation of orthoses has several advantages over plaster cast therapy, and could therefore become established in everyday clinical practice.

Acute atraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome due to flexor tendon rupture following palmar plate osteosynthesis in a patient taking rivaroxaban.

Few case reports describe the development of a hematoma under oral anticoagulation as the cause of an atraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome. A 76years old woman presented an acute atraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome of her left hand under oral anticoagulation with rivaroxaban due to atrial fibrillation. 12years ago, palmar plate osteosynthesis of a distal radius fracture had been performed on the affected wrist. Open decompression of the carpal canal was performed due to persistent severe pain under intense pain therapy and progressive neurological symptoms. The cause of the pain was a hematoma due to a rupture of the flexor pollicis longus and the second flexor digitorum profundus tendon with concomitant synovitis at the plate's distal rim. After decompression, pain relieved and neurological deficits improved rapidly. Ruptures of the flexor tendons occur in palmar plate osteosynthesis in up to 1.5% in the long term postoperative course. Very distal plate positions, like in this case, increase that risk. Under anticoagulation, the rupture induced a hematoma increasing local pressure resulting in an acute carpal tunnel syndrome. Acute nerve compression syndromes should be treated surgically without delay. Therapy with anticoagulants may increase hematoma after tendon rupture, thus supporting the development of an atraumatic acute carpal tunnel syndrome and complicating the surgical therapy. Hardware removal after fracture healing should be advised in patients with Soong grade 2 plate positions especially those taking anticoagulants.

Outcomes after operative treatment of distal radius fractures - an analysis of 721 patients

Treatment strategies in distal radius fractures differ nationally and internationally. Conservative and operative treatment options compete as well as implants, postoperative therapy regimens and the necessity of implant removal. In our institution operative treatment is favoured. In the following the results of 721 surgically treated patients are presented. PATIENTS who underwent operative treatment of their distal radius fractures in our institution between 2008 and 2011 were retrospectively analysed. Following patient characteristics have been surveyed regarding age, sex, location of plate osteosynthesis, operation time, time of cast immobilisation and complications like infections, tendon ruptures, need of revision surgery. 721 patients (mean age: 59.03 years) were retrospectively analysed. 514 of them (71.29 %) were female. Time of operation was after a mean duration of 5.48 days. In 558 (77.39 %) patients we performed palmar plate osteosynthesis. 89 (12.34 %) had dorsal plate osteosynthesis and 74 (10.3 %) cases were treated with either K-wires or screws. 18 (2.5 %) patients had concomitant traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome and a concomitant SL rupture was seen in 38 (5.27 %) patients. 40 (5.55 %) patients underwent operative revision because of posttraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome (n = 15), tendon ruptures (n = 7), malposition of screws (n = 6), loss of reduction (n = 6) and infection (n = 3). Mean duration of in-hospital stay after operation was 6.6 days. Implant removal was performed in 77 (10.7) patients; 59 (8.2 %) patients had palmar plate osteosynthesis and 18 (2.5 %) patients had dorsal plating. Because of the low complication rate after operative treatment of distal radius fractures, osteosynthesis of this fracture seems to be warranted. Regarding the patients' higher age we have seen an unexpectedly long in-hospital stay with a mean time of 6.6 days. Herein attempts should be made to reduce time of in-hospital stay. In our opinion implant removal should not be recommended routinely.

Dorsally displaced distal radius fractures treated by fixed-angle volar plating: Grip and pronosupination strength recovery. A prospective study

Malunion following open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture threatens wrist function. Fixed-angle palmar plates provide rigid fixation that is stable over time; however, the pronator quadratus sectioning required by the anterior approach entails a risk of pronation strength loss and of distal radioulnar joint destabilization. The present study assessed recovery of grip, pronation and supination strength following such internal fixation. A prospective study included 26 distal radial fractures with dorsal displacement, osteosynthesized using a fixed-angle palmar plate, in 25 patients (mean age: 47.5 years; range: 17-72 years). Assessment concerned the classical parameters, plus grip and pronosupination strength recovery. At a mean 14 months follow-up (range: 6-30 months), patients had recovered 91% grip strength, 88% pronation strength and 85% supination strength with respect to the healthy side. Complications comprised three cases of malunion, two of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, and four of post-traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome. A study of the literature found 75-95% grip strength recovery following osteosynthesis using fixed-angle plates. Few studies, however, have focused on pronosupination strength, and none reported its evolution following osteosynthesis. The present study found no drawbacks associated with a technique which usually involves sectioning the pronator quadratus. Except in case of malunion or joint stiffness, fixed-angle palmar plate osteosynthesis was followed by recovery of grip and pronosupination strength. Level IV: prospective non-randomized, non-comparative observational study.

Frühergebnisse nach palmarer winkelstabiler (multiaxialer) Plattenosteosynthese bei der Behandlung distaler Radiusfrakturen

In a prospective study a total of 49 fractures in 47 patients were treated with open reduction and palmar plate osteosynthesis. The results were evaluated radiologically, clinically and with the disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) score. The emphasis was on early postoperative results. The patients consisted of 11 men and 36 women aged 21–85 years old. Very good or good results were achieved in 79.6% of the patients, a fair result in 16.3% and a poor result in 4.1% according to the Lidström criteria. In 65.9% of cases very good or good functional results were achieved, in 22.7% fair and in 11.4% only poor results. The DASH score showed high patient satisfaction in 70.2%, moderate satisfaction in 25.5% and only little satisfaction in 4.3% of patients. Complications occurred in 14.3% of patients and the average duration of sick leave was 45.8 days. Open reduction of distal radius fractures using palmar plates with multi-axial angular stability shows good radiological and functional results even shortly after the operation.

Verwendung von nanokristallinem Hydroxyapatit (Ostim®) bei der Versorgung von Radiusfrakturen

In this study, innovative bone replacement material was tested after complicated metaphyseal radius fractures with the affected joints. In all, 11 C 2, 11 C 3 and 3 A 3 radius fractures were treated by surgery combining an angularly stable palmar plate osteosynthesis with defect filling using nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. Examinations were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively after 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 9-12 months. After 10.5+/-1.4 months, inclination angles of 8.7+/-1.8 degrees (dorsopalmar) and 18.8+/-2.9 degrees (radioulnar) were measured at the treated fractures, the ulnar drift was 0.6+/-1.8 mm. According to the Gartland/Werley scale, 10 therapeutic results were considered "excellent", 12 "good" and 3 "fair". An angularly stable plate osteosynthesis with metaphyseal defect filling using nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite for the treatment of A 3, C 2 and C 3 radius fractures showed satisfactory radiological and clinical results.

Arrosion der Beugesehnen nach palmarer Plattenosteosynthese des distalen Radius: Drei Fallberichte

Indication of palmar plate osteosynthesis of the distal radius has steadily broadened over recent years. The reason for this has been the introduction of angle stable implants. In addition, advantages were attributed to the palmar plate over the dorsal plate position on the distal radius through the covering of the M. pronator quadratus as a means of preventing the occurrence of arrosion of the tendon. Over a period of 12 months we treated 3 patients with varying degrees of flexor tendon rupture after palmar plate osteosynthesis, indicating that the incidence of flexor tendon arrosion occurring through palmar plate osteosynthesis is possibly greater than previously assumed.

Open reduction and palmar plate-osteosynthesis in combination with a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite spacer in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal radius

Open reduction and palmar plate-osteosynthesis in combination with a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite spacer in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal radius

Open reduction and palmar plate-osteosynthesis in combination with a nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite spacer in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal radius

In a prospective study, we used the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite paste Ostim (Osartis, Obernburg, Germany) in combination with a palmar plate to treat comminuted radius fractures with a metaphyseal and articular component in order to examine the clinical use of Ostim as a bone substitute. Twenty-one patients with 22 radius fractures of AO types C2 and C3 were included in the study. The measurements, taken 10.2+/-1.3 months after the initial treatment, revealed a dorsopalmar tilt of 8.8+/-3.7 degrees , a radioulnar inclination of 18.8+/-2.8 degrees and an ulnar variance of 0.8+/-1.8mm. According to the Gartland and Werley evaluation, eight of the treated fractures attained an excellent, 11 a good and the remaining three a fair result. The study demonstrates that Ostim, in combination with angularly stable osteosynthesis, can be used as an acceptable bone substitute for the treatment of type C2 and C3 radial fractures.