Plating Of Distal Radius Fractures Research Articles

A prospective study of surgical management of distal end radius fractures using volar rim variable angle locking plates

Background: To assess the clinical and functional outcome of surgically treated distal radius fractures specially involving volar rim fixed with Volar Rim Variable Angle Locking Plates. Objectives: To evaluate the radiological union in fractures of distal radius fixed with Volar Rim Variable Angle Locking Plates .To evaluate clinical and functional outcome associated with this treatment modality. To study the complications associated with this treatment. Materials and Methods: 20 cases of distal end radius fractures surgically treated with Volar Rim Variable Angle Locking Plate according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, all patients followed up for a period of 1 year and results assessed with using the Demerit point system of Gartland and Werley. Results: In our study mean duration of complete union was 11 weeks which is comparable with other similar studies. We have achieved excellent results in 65% of cases, good in 20% of cases, fair in 10% and poor results in 5% of cases. Complications like stitch abscess, reduced range of motion, complex regional pain syndrome seen in 4 (20%) of cases. Conclusion: Volar Rim Variable Angle Locking Plate gives an adequate buttress of the volar radius distal to volar projection of the lunate facet and do not interfere with wrist mobility. Volar rim plate in distal radius fractures provide good to excellent results and are effective in the correction and maintainance of distal radius anatomy.

Evaluation of fixation after plating of distal radius fractures - a validation study

We used five fresh-frozen cadavers with 10 upper limbs to evaluate by finite element analysis (FEA) the plate fixation of distal radius fractures. The distal radius of the cadavers was fractured using a comminution fracture model. Plate fixation was performed using Synthes VATCP. Compression tests were performed on these specimens and force displacement curves were obtained. FEA was performed using Mechanical Finder. The Keyak, Keller vertebra, Carter, and Matsuyama conversion equations without contact analysis, and the Matsuyama equations with contact analysis, were used for the boundary conditions. We found strong positive correlations with the Matsuyama conversion equations either with or without contact analysis. The validated FEA model will be used for preoperative simulation of actual fractures.

Clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of volar locked plating of distal radius fracture: A prospective study

Background: The fracture of lower end radius is the most common fracture of the upper extremity encountered in practice and constitutes 10 to 20% of all the fractures and 75% of all forearm fractures. In spite of various new advances, closed reduction and cast immobilization has been the mainstay of treatment of these fractures, but malunion of fracture and subluxation /dislocation of distal radioulnar joint resulting in poor functional and cosmetic results is the usual outcome. Recently, the volar locked plate osteosynthesis is considered as the “gold standard” in treatment of ‘unstable’ distal radius fractures. The present study proposed to evaluate the role of volar locking plate fixation in the management of intra-articular and extra-articular volar fractures of distal end radius and to evaluate the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes.Aim and Objectives: To study the improvement in clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of volar locked plate fixation in a distal end radius fracture.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken in a Tertiary Hospital from September 2016 to September 2018, 30 patients (age >20 yrs) with volar fracture of lower end of radius i.e. AO types A 2.3, B 3.1, B 3.2, B 3.3 operated with volar locked plating. The patients were followed up at 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th postoperative weeks. Radiological & clinical, functional outcomes were assessed by using Stewart score & PRWE (Patient–rated wrist evaluation questionnaire) score respectively. Data collected of these 30 patients were statistically analysed using ANOVA chi – square test.Results: Clinical and Functional outcome by Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation scoring system shows maximum no. of patients come in Good and Excellent grading i.e. 17(56.7%) and 8(26.7%) out of 30 patients, along with this 1(3.3%) Fair and 4(13.3%) Poor result. Radiological outcome by Stewart I scoring system is Maximum no. of cases shows Good and Excellent results i.e. 20(66.7%) and 6(20%) out of 30 patients. With this 1(3.3%) Fair and 3(10%) Poor result.Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with volar locked plating has satisfactory functional and radiological outcome with minimal complications and thus it is an excellent modality to treat volar fractures of distal end radius.

A Comparison of Pronator Quadratus Preservation and Dissection Approaches for Volar Plating of Comminuted Intra-articular Distal Radius Fracture.

Although the pronator quadratus (PQ) preservation approach for volar plating of distal radius fracture has been commonly used recently, its superiority to the conventional PQ dissection approach, especially for comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, has not been well established. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of PQ preservation for comminuted intra-articular fractures and to evaluate the healed PQ during hardware removal surgery. From January 2014 to March 2019, 86 patients who underwent both volar plating for AO Foundation/Orthopedic Trauma Association classification type C2 or C3 distal radius fractures and subsequent hardware removal were assessed in this study. Radiographic measurements, clinical outcomes at each follow-up, and the integrity of healed PQ during hardware removal were compared between the PQ dissection (group D) and PQ preservation (group P) groups. Complete union with acceptable reduction on radiographic measurements was achieved in both groups. Group P showed a statistically significant earlier recovery of clinical outcomes at 2 weeks and 1 month postoperatively and improved anatomical restoration of PQ muscle covering the plate, which was identified during hardware removal surgery. Flexor tendon rupture was identified in 2 patients (5%) and tenosynovitis in 6 patients (14%) in group D; no patient had flexor tendon rupture (0%), and 2 patients (5%) had tenosynovitis in group P. Pronator quadratus preservation approach for volar plating is easily applicable and useful even for comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures and is helpful for earlier restoration of wrist function and in preventing flexor tendon problems in the latter postoperative period.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia With No Tourniquet (WALANT) to General Anesthesia in Plating of Distal Radius Fractures With Pain and Anxiety Level Perception.

Introduction: Distal end radius fractures are common fractures commonly treated with an option of open reduction and plating. Traditionally, plating is performed under general anesthesia (GA) or regional block. Recently, a new technique of plating under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) has been introduced. We aim to compare the preoperative anxiety level, intraoperative pain scores, post-operative pain scores, operating time, blood loss and clinical outcome of distal end radius plating with WALANT versus GA with tourniquet.Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled study on patients with closed fracture of the distal end of the radius requiring open reduction and plating from January 2019 till April 2020. We recruited 65 patients (33 patients in the WALANT group and 32 patients in the GA group). Randomization was done via block randomization. Data were collected to evaluate preoperative anxiety using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) score, intraoperative pain score during injection (baseline) (V1), 10 minutes after injection (V2), during incision (V3), during gentle manipulation (V4), during aggressive manipulation (V5) and during first drilling of screw (V6), blood loss, duration of surgery and post-operative pain score. Additionally, intraoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score was obtained in the WALANT group. At three weeks, six weeks, three months and six months after operation, the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores and range of motion (ROM) of the wrists were obtained.Results: The average age in the WALANT group was 47.19 (range, 36-64) years and GA group was 49.48 (range, 38-60) years. The mean APAIS score obtained was 7.78 (WALANT group) and 7.36 (GA group) with no statistical difference. For intraoperative VAS, only during V4 and V5 were the scores 1/10; otherwise at all other phases, the VAS score was 0. The average time for surgery was statistically longer in the WALANT group (61.22 minutes) compared to the GA group (55.33 minutes) (p = 0.003). There was no statistical difference in mean blood loss in both groups. The average post-operative VAS showed statistical significance only at 1 hour and 12 hours post-operation with no statistical difference at 2 and 24 hours post-operation. There was no difference in the post-operative ROM including wrist flexion, extension, supination and pronation for both groups up to six months’ follow-up.Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preoperative anxiety level, intraoperative and post-operative VAS score, amount of blood loss and clinical outcome in both groups for plating of the distal end radius. However, the operating time was slightly longer in the WALANT group. We conclude that distal radius plating under WALANT has similar outcomes to GA. In centres with limited resources, WALANT offers a safe, reliable and cheaper option, reserving GA time for head, abdominal and thoracic surgery.

Delayed rupture of extensor tendon after locking plating of distal radius fracture: A case report

Delayed rupture of extensor tendon after locking plating of distal radius fracture: A case report

Effect of Downsized Screw Selection on Bone Healing and Postoperative Complications in Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures.

When performing volar plating of distal radius fractures, selecting downsized subchondral screws may prevent dorsal screw penetration (DSP), which is a risk factor for extensor tendon rupture. However, downsizing may cause loss of reduction or poor bone healing. This prospective study investigated the effect of downsized screw selection on bone healing and postoperative complications. A total of 115 patients with postoperative follow-up longer than 6 months comprised the study population. Using a depth gauge, screws that were 2-mm shorter than the measured value were selected. The DSP then was checked using dorsal tangential view (DTV) radiographs during surgery and at final follow-up. Baseline data included bone healing, loss of reduction of radiological parameters, DSP location, and postoperative complications. To assess DSP on DTV radiographs, the dorsal surface of the radius was divided into the radial and ulnar sides at the Lister tubercle, and each was further divided into 2 equal regions. These 4 regions were defined as zones 1 to 4 from the radial side. A total of 114 patients (99%) showed bone healing. Mean loss of reduction was approximately 1° and within 1 mm in radiological parameters. Eleven patients (9.6%) showed DSP during surgery or at final follow-up despite using 2-mm downsized screws. The most common site of DSP was zone 3. Extensor pollicis longus rupture occurred in 2 patients (1.7%) despite no DSP. Downsized screw selection provided a high rate of bone healing with minimum loss of reduction and a low complication rate. The extensor tendon can be torn regardless of DSP. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e259-e265.].

A systematic review of how daily activities and exercises are recommended following volar plating of distal radius fractures and the efficacy and safety of early versus late mobilisation

Introduction Following surgical repair of distal radius fractures, mobilisation timeframes and interventions vary. Early mobilisation (<2 weeks postoperatively) usually includes range of motion exercises and may include recommendations to perform daily activities. The review investigated (i) how early mobilisation was recommended, particularly with respect to wrist use during daily activities and (ii) the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed mobilisation (< or ≥2 weeks). Methods The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019136490). Five databases were searched for studies that compared early and delayed mobilisation in adults with volar plating of distal radius fractures. The Downs and Black Quality Index and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist were used for quality evaluation. Effect sizes were calculated for range of movement, function and pain at 6–8, 10–12 and 26 weeks. A descriptive analysis of outcomes and mobilisation regimes was conducted. Results Eight studies with a mean Quality Index score of 20 out of 28 (SD=5.6) were included. Performing daily activities was commonly recommended as part of early mobilisation. Commencing mobilisation prior to two weeks resulted in greater range of movement, function and less pain at up to eight weeks postoperatively than delaying mobilisation until two weeks or later. Discussion Performance of daily activities was used alongside exercise to promote recovery but without clearly specifying the type, duration or intensity of activities. In combination with exercise, early daily activity was safe and beneficial. Performing daily activities may have discrete advantages. Hand therapists are challenged to incorporate activity-approaches into early mobilisation regimes.

Changes in the Rate of Postoperative Flexor Tendon Rupture in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: Flexor tendon rupture is a major complication after volar locking plating for distal radius fracture (DRF). Few studies have investigated changes in the rate of postoperative flexor tendon rupture in patients with DRFs. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the rate of postoperative flexor tendon rupture and to assess plate placement and reduction positions. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients in whom more than 24 months had passed since DRF surgery. The patients were interviewed by telephone. Forty-nine patients (50 fractures; 2007-2009) from institution A were included in group 1 and 81 patients (84 fractures; 2013-2016) from institution B were included in group 2. The DRF surgery method was similar between the two groups. The rate of flexor tendon rupture, Soong classification grade, and radiological index (i.e., volar tilt [VT], radial inclination [RI], and ulnar variance [UV]) were statistically investigated in both groups. Results: Patient epidemiology was not significantly different between the two groups. The flexor tendon rupture rates were 2% and 0% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, without a significant difference. With regard to the Soong grade, 44 fractures were grade 2 and 6 were grade 1 in group 1, whereas 18 were grade 2, 38 were grade 1, and 28 were grade 0 in group 2, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). With regard to the radiological index, the mean VT values were 5° and 11° in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). However, RI and UV showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Plate placement and reduction positions, which are risk factors for flexor tendon ruptures after DRFs, have improved recently when compared with previous findings. With these changes, the rate of flexor tendon rupture is presumed to have decreased.

Tronco-conical locking plate in distal radius fractures

IntroductionVolar locked plates represent the most popular fixation technique for distal radius fracture (DRF). However, threaded screw-hole angular stability mechanism has some issues. The purpose of our study is to evaluate clinical and radiological outcome of a tronco-conical locking mechanism for volar plating of DRF. Materials and methodsEighty patients with DRF treated with tronco-conical locking volar plates between May 2013 to December 2017 in two institutions were collected. We analysed clinical and radiological outcomes and peri-operative complications, like loss of reduction, fragment displacement, deformation or implant-related problems and surgical and other general complications. Results78 patients were available for at final follow-up. The average follow-up period was 11.4 months (range, 6-18 months). All fractures healed within three months. Five cases of final reductions were defined unsatisfying. According to Gartland and Werley's scoring system at final follow up, 36 patients had excellent results, 40 patients had good results, one patient had fair and one patient had poor results. Five complications were observed. No complications were observed during surgical plate removal. ConclusionComplications found in our study are not related to tronco-conical locking mechanism and are like those found in the literature. Further studies are needed to evaluate functional results or radiographic parameters of this new type of angular stability mechanism. Tronco-conical locking plate is an attractive alternative threaded screw-hole angular stability mechanism.

Unraveling the mysteries of a costoclavicular block: A case report

The outcome of regional anesthesia with respect to the sensory and motor effects of local anesthetics has been a mystery to anesthesiologists. However, testing these effects is subjective with the currently available scoring/grading systems. We report an unusual case where the author himself is a patient, a 37-year-old male with no comorbidities, who underwent plating of distal radius fracture under costoclavicular block (CCB). He took this opportunity to record changes in the sensory and motor functions that he experienced until he regained them completely. This case report is a narration of his own experiences related to CCB during the perioperative period.

Surgical comfort and clinical outcomes of MIPO with an extra-short plate designed for distal radius fractures.

Volar locking plates (VLPs) are increasingly used for distal radius fractures (DRFs) with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), but surgery learning curves could be long. The purpose of this study was to assess a new extra-short plate with two locking diaphyseal divergent screws, specifically designed for MIPO, preserving the pronator quadratus muscle. This retrospective study consisted of three phases: (i) the evaluation of surgical comfort with the incision size and the duration of 59 consecutive surgeries using the extra-short plate in DRFs; (ii) the verification of the implant ability to maintain radiographic indices compared immediately postoperatively and at consolidation. They included radial inclination (RI), volar tilt (VT) and ulnar variance (UV); (iii) the assessment of clinical outcomes at last follow-up through: pain measured on the visual analogue scale (VAS), QuickDASH score, patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, grip strength, range of motion and complications. In the first phase: mean incision size was 32mm, and mean operative time was 28.5min. In the second phase, there was no statistical difference between the two measures of the indices studied. In the third phase, mean follow-up time was 14.2months, VAS score was 1.1, QuickDASH score was 11.4/100, and PRWE score was 9.5/100. Flexion was 91%, extension was 94%, and grip strength was 86% compared to the contralateral side. The surgical comfort may be related to short operative time and incision. The implant allowed maintaining the radiographic indices without secondary displacement. Functional clinical outcomes were satisfactory. This extra-short plate design belongs to a novel generation of VLPs.

Combined volar and dorsal plating vs. volar plating of distal radius fractures. A single-center study of 105 cases

Despite recent advances in the surgical management of distal radius fractures (DRFs), the optimal treatment remains controversial as different fixation methods often have similar clinical functional and radiographic outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the differences in outcomes 1 year postoperatively between volar plating and combined plating for DRFs. In a retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 105 consecutive patients operated with either a volar locking plate or combined dorsal and volar plating. The primary outcome was wrist range of motion (ROM). Secondary outcome measures included hand grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, radiographic examination and patient-related outcome measures. Patients treated with combined plating had significantly inferior wrist flexion, extension and ulnar deviation. The radiographic Batra score 1 year postoperatively was similar for both groups. The PRWE (patient-rated wrist evaluation) score was 16 for the volar plating group and 14 for the combined plating group. The QuickDASH (Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) score was 9 for the volar plating group and 16 for the combined plating group. VAS pain scores were 0 at rest and 2 during activity for both groups. Grip strength was similar between the two groups. Hardware removal was done in 18/78 patients for the combined plating group and 1/27 for the volar plate group. Two patients operated with combined plating had tendon ruptures. Our findings indicate that both methods can yield satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes. However, combined plating resulted in inferior wrist ROM and substantially higher frequency of hardware removal. The potential advantages of combined plating in stabilizing a comminuted DRF must be balanced by the potential drawbacks such as inferior wrist ROM and higher frequency of hardware removal.

Safety of Releasing the Volar Capsule During Open Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: An Analysis of the Extrinsic Radiocarpal Ligaments’ Contribution to Radiocarpal Stability

The contribution of the extrinsic radiocarpal ligaments to carpal stability continues to be studied. Clinically, there is a concern for carpal instability from release of the volar extrinsic ligaments during volar plating of distal radius fractures in which the integrity of the dorsal ligaments may be unknown. The primary hypothesis of this study was that serial sectioning of radiocarpal ligaments would lead to progressive ulnar translation of the carpus. We studied the stabilizing roles of the radioscaphocapitate (RSC), short radiolunate (SRL), long radiolunate (LRL), and dorsal radiocarpal (DRC) ligaments. We sequentially sectioned these ligaments in 2 groups of 5 matched pairs and measured the motion of the scaphoid and lunate with the wrist in passive neutral alignment, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, and simulated grip. Displacement of the lunate in the radioulnar plane was used as a surrogate for carpal translation. The groups differed only by the order in which the ligaments were sectioned. In the intact state, the lunate translated ulnarly during simulated grip and radial deviation, whereas radial translation, relative to its position under resting tension, was observed during ulnar deviation. With serial sectioning, the lunate displayed increased ulnar translation in all wrist positions for both groups 1 and 2. The magnitude of ulnar translation exceeded 1 mm after sectioning the LRL plus RSC along with either the DRC or the SRL. Sectioning of either the DRC or SRL ligaments along with release of the RSC and LRL ligaments leads to notable although minimal (<2 mm) ulnar lunate translation. Isolated sectioning of individual radiocarpal ligaments, such as for visualization of the articular surface of the distal radius, leads to minimal ulnar translation. Because prior clinical work found no clinical complications after volar capsule release, it is posited that translation less than 2 mm creates subclinical changes in carpal mechanics.

Do we need to suture the pronator quadratus muscle when we do open reduction and internal fixation for fracture of the distal radius

BackgroundOpen reduction and internal fixation is often used for the treatment of distal radius fracture. Opening the pronator quadratus muscle during the process of open reduction and internal fixation is necessary to achieve sufficient exposure. Therefore, knowledge on how to suture the pronator quadratus muscle will be of essence.AimThe aim of the present study was to determine if suturing the pronator quadratus during the treatment of the distal radius fracture can enhance limb function .MethodsA total of 126 patients were enrolled for the study. The patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. During the procedure, the pronator quadratus was cut open to allow insertion of the plate. The pronator quadratus muscles of the patients were stitched together before the surgery was completed. After the fracture healed, the patients underwent surgery to remove the internal fixations. Patients received wrist function scores prior to removal of the internal fixations. Healing of the pronator quadratus was during surgery. Patients were grouped according to the healing of the pronator quadratus. Functional scores between the two groups were compared.ResultsMuscle healing was observed in 23 patients during surgery. However, the PQ muscles of these patients were remarkably atrophic, with scar hyperplasia and fibrosis. The muscle fibers were loose, thin, and had decreased in number. The remaining muscle fibers presented different degrees of adhesion with radial carpal flexor muscles, steel plates and interosseous membrane. A total of 23 patients were included in group A and 103 patients in group B based on the intraoperative condition. No statistically significant differences was observed in age and type of fracture between group A and group B. In addition, no statistically significant differences was observed in the isokinetic forearm pronation strength and clinical outcomes including grip strength, wrist ROM, and PRWE scores between the two groups.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that healing of the PQ muscle does not affect the outcomes of volar plating for distal radius fractures with reference to the isokinetic forearm rotation strength, grip strength, wrist ROM, and PRWE scores. The results of this study support our current practice of PQ muscle incision.

Bridge Plate Design Effects on Yield and Fatigue in Distal Radius Fracture Model.

Background Bridge plating for distal radius fractures is indicated for complex fractures with comminution, extensive articular involvement, and/or cases requiring immediate weight bearing. Bridge plate fixation of distal radius fractures is a well-documented treatment method; however, failures have been reported with repetitive loading through the bridged distal radius fracture. Plate design is implicated as a cause of plate fracture in select clinical studies but few mechanical tests comparing bridge plate designs have been reported. This study sought to determine the impact of plate design on bridge plates intended to allow for immediate weight-bearing. Methods Axial static ( n = 3) and dynamic testing ( n = 3) was performed on three distraction plates designs: bridge plate 1 (BP1) with central holes, bridge plate 2 (BP2) without central holes, and locking compression plate (BP3). Plates were loaded in axial compression with a simulated 10-mm fracture gap. Results Significant static load differences were noted between all groups. Static load to failure for BP1, BP3, and BP2 were 240 ± 5 N, 398 ± 9 N, and 420 ± 3 N, respectively ( p < 0.05). BP1 was the only plate series that failed during dynamic testing; all other plates achieved 100,000 cycles. Failure mode was a fracture occurring through the central screw hole of BP1. Finite element analysis demonstrated the effects of central screw holes on stress, strain, and plastic deformation under loading. Conclusion Unused screw holes are the mechanical weak points; plates designed without these central screw holes are expected to survive greater load values. The threshold for clinical importance will need to be determined by future studies.

The effect of pronator quadratus repair on outcome after volar plating of distal radius fracture

Background: The incidence of fracture distal end of the radius is increasing with increasing life expectancy along with osteoporosis. Open reduction and volar plating has the biomechanical advantage of load bearing and buttressing function. Proposed advantages of pronator quadratus repair during volar plating of distal radius are the restoration of pronation strength, protection of flexor tendons from attrition or rupture and stabilization of the distal radio-ulnar joint whereas a tight repair may lead to the risk of ischemic contracture resulting into limited wrist pronation and supination. We aim to study the effects of pronator quadratus repair during volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture. Methods: Traumatic extra-articular isolated closed, Gustilo grade I and II fracture of distal end radius with/without fracture ulna of adults presenting within 1 week were subjected to either repair or no repair group of pronator quadratus during volar plating of distal radius. They were operated by the same standard approach, subjected to same physiotherapy protocol and followed up regularly for at least one year post-operatively for outcome assessment. Result: The cohort of patients in non-repair group (n = 19, mean age: 27.68 ± 8.38 years) and repair group (n = 13, mean age: 32.00 ± 15.58 years) have similar demographic and fracture characteristics. At 1 year, they had no significant difference in overall pain by visual analogue score (p = 0.989), functional outcome by disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand score (p = 0.178) and wrist range of motion (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that there is no added advantage of pronator quadratus muscle repair during volar plating of distal radius. The functional outcome, overall pain and range of motion of wrist were not significantly different between them.

Volar PEEK plate for distal radius fracture: analysis of adverse events.

The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate complications following carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketon (CFR-PEEK) volar plating in distal radius fracture in a large cohort of patients. As an alternative to conventional metallic devices, CFR-PEEK plates have been introduced over the last few years. We performed a retrospective study including all patients who were treated for distal radius fracture using a volar fixed-angle plate DiPHOS-RM (Lima Corporate, Udine, Italy). All CFR-PEEK plates implanted were reviewed between May 2012 and December 2017. Plate removal, second surgery and adverse events were collected by reviewing medical records. A total of 110 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 4years. Adverse side effects were observed in 9 cases (8%), developed during or after treatment. The most frequent complication was represented by intraoperative plate rupture (4%). Infection was reported in one case. The rate of complications of PEEK volar plates seems to be similar to those occurring with plates of different materials. Advantages of PEEK plates are the absence of the cold-welding phenomenon and the absence of exuberant bone callus on the plate, ensuring an easy hardware removal. Intraoperative rupture remains the main complication correlated with PEEK material. These complications can be reduced with an accurate surgical technique, especially at the beginning of the learning curve. Therapeutic IV.

A Prospective Cohort Study on Accuracy of Dorsal Tangential Views to Avoid Screw Penetration With Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures.

To assess diagnostic performance of dorsal tangential views (DTVs) to detect dorsal screw protrusion in clinical practice. Prospective cohort study. Level-1 trauma center. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing volar plating for 50 distal radius fractures were prospectively included. Fluoroscopic DTVs were routinely obtained, and screw revision was documented. Multiplanar reconstructions of postoperative CTs allowed for detection and quantification of dorsal screw penetration using reproducible measuring techniques. Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy) of DTV. Intraoperatively, in 16 of 50 patients (32%), screws were revised based on DTV, with 13 of 218 screws (6.0%) being revised due to dorsal prominence. One screw was changed because DTV showed it was in the distal radioulnar joint. Postoperatively, in 10 patients (20%), the computed tomography revealed 12 additional screws penetrating ≥1 mm with an average of 1.8 mm (range 1.0-4.5 mm). DTV had a sensitivity of 52%, a negative predictive value of 95%, and accuracy of 95%. No ≥1-mm protruding screw remained in the third compartment. In one-third of our patients, the incidence of protruding screws that can cause iatrogenic extensor tendon rupture was reduced by obtaining additional DTVs. Although DTV reduces the incidence of dorsal screw penetration considerably, this study reveals limited sensitivity. Therefore, one should keep in mind that dorsal screw penetration may go unnoticed on DTVs, and proper surgical technique remains paramount of DTV. Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Diaphyseal Screw Prominence in Distal Radius Volar Plating.

Background Volar plating for distal radius fractures has become common. Screw prominence on the dorsal side from long screws can lead to tendon injury. Methods for detecting screws that penetrate the far cortex involve X-ray or ultrasound. These have focused on the distal row of screws. No studies have addressed screw penetration in the diaphysis. We describe two cases where diaphyseal screws caused symptoms. We then insert screws in the diaphysis of synbones 2 mm longer than measured and determine what angle of pronation or supination was best to detect this on X-ray. Methods Three synbones were plated using Synthes volar plate. The three diaphyseal screws were drilled perpendicular to the plate, and the depth measured. Cortical 2.4-mm screws were inserted, 2 mm longer than measured. The three synbones were then placed in a custom clamp to measure rotation. Lateral X-rays were taken at 0 degree rotation, and 5, 10, and 15 degrees of supination and pronation. The prominence of each screw was measured using the synapse digital ruler. Results For the screws that were placed at a neutral angle (perpendicular to the plate) the maximum visualization of the prominent tips occurred around 0 degree rotation. With screws angled 15 degrees ulna, maximum visualization was between 5 and 10 degrees of pronation. With screws angled 15 degrees radial, maximum visualization was between 5 and 10 degrees of supination. Every 5 degrees of rotation changes the profile of the screw by 0.4 mm. Discussion The diaphysis of the radius becomes approximately trapezoidal distally. Prominent screws that are placed below the "peak" of the trapezoid may appear to be the correct length. Rotating the wrist into pronation or supination to bring the relevant cortex as parallel to the X-ray beam as possible will help to identify if screws are of the correct length. Screws that are prominent in the second compartment may be particularly symptomatic as the tendons here are closely opposed to the bone. We recommend screening for 2 mm diaphyseal screw prominence in neutral, with 10 degrees of pronation and supination.