Reduction Of Distal Radius Fractures Research Articles

Assessing the Relationship Between Bone Density and Loss of Reduction in Nonsurgical Distal Radius Fracture Treatment

Whether low bone mineral density affects loss of reduction for distal radius fractures (DRFs) managed without surgery is unknown. Our purpose was to understand how bone mineral density, based on second metacarpal cortical percentage (2MCP) measurement, affects DRF healing after nonsurgical treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 304 patients from 2 health systems with DRFs treated without surgery. The AO classification, 2MCP (<50% indicating osteoporosis), and fracture stability based on Lafontaine criteria were determined from prereduction radiographs. Radial inclination, radial height, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and intra-articular stepoff were measured on initial and 6-week final follow-up radiographs and compared. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate the association between Lafontaine criteria or 2MCP and changes in radiographic parameters. Radiographic parameters with significant associations in bivariate analysis were evaluated in multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, initial radiographic parameters, reduction status, and AO fracture type. Across all patients, after 6 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, ulnar variance (shortening of the radius) increased by an average of 1.4 mm. Bivariate analysis showed that lower 2MCP and unstable fractures per Lafontaine criteria were each significantly associated with an increase in ulnar variance (P < .05). In adjusted multivariable models, having both 2MCP less than 50% and an unstable fracture together was associated with an additional 1.2-mm increase in ulnar variance (P < .05). A 2MCP in the osteoporosis range and unstable fractures by Lafontaine criteria were each associated with a significant increase in ulnar variance after nonsurgical treatment for DRFs. Patients with unstable fractures and 2MCP less than 50% are likely to have an additional increase of greater than 1 mm in ulnar variance at the end of nonsurgical fracture treatment than patients with similar injuries, but without these features. Using initial radiographs to identify patients with low bone mineral density that may be at risk for more substantial loss of reduction can assist with decision making for managing DRFs. Prognostic IV.

Morphometric Study of Distal End of Human Dry Radii

Introduction: Radius is the lateral bone of forearm. Important parameters of its distal end include angle of radial inclination, palmar tilt, and length of radial styloid process. Morphometry of the distal end of radius is important in various clinical orthopaedic procedures such as reduction of distal radius fractures, design of distal radius prosthesis, and kinematics of the wrist joint. The aim of this study is to determine the angle of radial inclination, palmar tilt, length of styloid process, oblique width, transverse and anteroposterior diameter of distal end of human dry radii in Nepalese population.&#x0D; Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the dissection hall of Department of Human Anatomy, Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences, Sanobhyrang, Kathmandu, Nepal from October 2019 to November 2019 after obtaining ethical approval. Total 76 human dry radii were included in the study by convenience sampling method. Angle of radial inclination, palmar tilt, length of styloid process, oblique width, transverse and anteroposterior diameter of distal end of human dry radii were studied. Data was collected and analysed by SPSS version 24.&#x0D; Results: Mean length of styloid process was 1.09 cm. Mean anteroposterior and transverse diameter of distal end of radius was 1.88 cm and 2.85 cm respectively. Mean oblique width of distal radius was 2.82 cm. The mean palmar tilt and angle of inclination of radius were 9.72 and 23.62 degree respectively. &#x0D; Conclusions: This study provides the reference data for the anatomical alignment while treating the injuries of the distal end of radius in Nepalese population.

Pain Perception During the Phases of Manual Reduction of Distal End Radius Fracture With a Periosteal Block.

IntroductionClosed reduction is an effective method of treatment for distal end radius fractures. We present a case series of patients with distal end radius fractures who underwent closed manipulative reduction using the periosteal block. We describe the technique in detail and examine its efficacy in pain lowering effect during closed reduction.MethodsNineteen patients with distal end radial and ulnar fractures were included and grouped based on the Frykman classification. The reduction was performed using a periosteal block of 10 ml of 2% lignocaine injection. The severity of pain was recorded by utilizing the visual analog scale (VAS) in five phases: 1) before injection, 2) after 15 minutes of analgesia in a resting position, 3) during minimal motion, 4) during full manipulation and reduction, and 5) post-procedure. The VAS scoring was classified as painless (VAS score of 0), mild pain (VAS score between 1-3), and painful (VAS score of 4 and above).ResultsThe study included 19 patients [median age of 53 years (range: 18-88 years)]; there were 11 (58%) males and eight (42%) females. The mechanism of injury was a fall (n=12, 63%) or a motor vehicle accident (n=7, 37%). There was a statistically significant reduction of pain between phase one and all the other phases. Between the different fracture configurations, there was no significant difference in pain reduction. The most painful phase was expected to be phase four, ie, during full manipulation, in which four (21%) patients had a VAS score of 0, 12 (63%) patients had a VAS score between 1-3, and three (16%) patients had a VAS score of 4. Thus, 16 out of 19 patients (84%) had no or minimal pain during the most painful phase. There were no complications from the periosteal blocks.ConclusionsThe periosteal nerve block is an effective procedure providing satisfactory analgesia during the reduction of distal radial and ulnar fractures. It has no side effects and is free from complications associated with conventional sedation.

Use of Surgical Adhesive Tape to Maintain Tension on Intrafocal K-Wires for Easy Reduction and Fixation of Complex Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures

Maintaining reduction during fixation of complex intra-articular distal radius fractures with dorsal comminution can be challenging. We describe an operative technique where reduction is achieved with temporary intrafocal Kirschner wires (K-wires), and held using surgical adhesive tape wrapped around the hand, whilst a volar plate is applied to achieve rigid fixation. This is a simple, inexpensive method used at our institutions which allows fixation of these fractures without the need for an operative assistant.

A comparison of six outcome measures across the recovery period after distal radius fixation-Which to use and when?

Many standardized outcome measures exist to measure recovery after surgical fixation of distal radius fractures, however, choosing the optimal instrument is difficult. We evaluated responsiveness, ceiling/floor effects, and criterion validity over multiple time intervals across a 2-year follow-up period for six commonly used instruments. A total of 259 patients who received open reduction and internal fixation for distal radius fractures between 2012 and 2015 were recruited. Patients were administered the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), Green and O'Brien score (Cooney modification) (CGNO), Gartland and Werley score (Sarmiento modification) (SGNW), flexion-extension arc (FEArc), and grip fraction test (GripFrac) at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Responsiveness was evaluated by calculating standardized response means (SRM) and Cohen's d effect sizes (ES), and by correlating each instrument's change scores against those of QuickDASH and PRWE, which were also used as external comparators to assess criterion validity. Ceiling/floor effects were calculated for all measures at each time point. SRM (1.5-24 months) were 1.81, 1.77, 1.43, 1.16, 2.23, 2.45 and ES (1.5-24 months) were 1.81, 1.82, 1.95, 1.31, 1.99 and 2.90 for QuickDASH, PRWE, CGNO, SGNW, FEArc, and GripFrac respectively. Spearman correlation coefficients against QuickDASH at 24 months were: 0.809, 0.248, 0.563, 0.285, and 0.318 for PRWE, CGNO, SGNW, FEArc, and GripFrac respectively. Significant (>15% of patients reaching maximum score) ceiling effects were observed before 6 months for PRWE and SGNW. Our evidence supports the use of QuickDASH, PRWE, FEArc and GripFrac up to 6 months postsurgery, and QuickDASH and PRWE after 6 months. Level II.

Simulation-Based Mastery Learning to Teach Distal Radius Fracture Reduction.

Distal radius fractures are common orthopedic injuries managed in emergency departments. Simulation-based mastery learning is widely recognized to improve provider competence for bedside procedures but has not been studied to teach fracture management. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum to teach distal radius fracture reduction to novice orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine residents. We created a novel mastery learning checklist using the Mastery Angoff method of standard setting, paired with a new simulation model designed for this project, to teach orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine interns (N = 22) at the study site. Orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine faculty members participated in checklist development, curriculum design, and implementation. Training included just-in-time asynchronous education with a readiness assessment test, in-classroom expert demonstration, and deliberate practice with feedback. Residents completed a pretest/posttest skills examination and a presurvey/postsurvey assessing procedural confidence. Standard setting resulted in a 41-item checklist with minimum passing score of 37/41 items. All participants met or surpassed the minimum passing score on postexamination. Postsurvey confidence levels were significantly higher than presurvey in all aspects of the distal radius fracture procedure (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum improved skills and confidence performing distal radius fracture reductions for orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine interns. Future planned studies include curriculum testing across additional institutions, examination of clinical impact, and application of mastery learning for other orthopedic procedures.

Biomechanical Comparison of Pronator Quadratus Repair Techniques in the Modified Henry Approach for Distal Radius Fracture

Background: Open reduction and volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture frequently involve detaching the pronator quadratus muscle. Repair maybe difficult due to friable muscle fascia or bulky plate. This study evaluates the strength of 3 repair techniques. Methods and Results: Repair with separate Simple Sutures, Continuous Suture, or Suture Anchors was tested on 3 groups of 6 cadaver forearms. A distraction load was applied to all repairs on a traction simulator until there was a failure of either the suture, the muscle or the anchor. Simple Suture group could resist 20.7 N, the Continuous Suture group 33.3 N, and the Suture Anchors group 42.5 N. The load to displacement were, respectively, 20.0, 25.9, and 34.6 N. The mode of failure was noted. Conclusions: This cadaveric study shows that if deemed necessary for soft tissue coverage or for biological aid in fracture healing, suture anchor is the strongest repair choice for pronator quadratus. This conclusion must be weighed against the fact that no in vivo tensile strength value sustained by the pronator quadratus is known in the literature and that simple suture could be sufficient to hold the repaired muscle while the wrist is immobilized postoperatively.

Saving time in the fracture clinic: 2 weeks post-operative plain films following open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures do not affect management.

Distal radius fractures represent up to one in every sixth treated fracture. The majority of these are intra-articular and require operative management. Many recent studies advocate for the use of volar plating fixation. Following fixation, most patients attend the fracture clinic at 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively and may get repeat imaging at both visits, resulting in longer wait times and repeat exposure to radiation. Revision surgery is however rarely performed in the 2- to 6-week period, raising the question of the necessity of plain film at 2 weeks. Improve patient satisfaction in the fracture clinic by reducing wait time in fracture clinic and limiting exposure to radiation. The number of distal radius open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) over a 12-month period was retrieved using theatre logbooks. Patient details were used to check whether a plain film radiograph had been performed 2 weeks post-operatively. Subsequently, patients' records were used to determine if revision surgery was performed or planned. In total, 123 distal radius ORIF were performed between January 2018 and January 2019. Two-week check radiographs were performed for 82 patients (67%). One patient (0.8%) underwent revision surgery following review of intra-operative imaging. No patients underwent revision ORIF following 2-week plain film. Repeat imaging at 2 weeks following distal radius ORIF did not change management of distal radius fractures in this study. Therefore, our data suggests 2-week plain films should not routinely be ordered for these patients which will reduce wait time and exposure to radiation.

Clinical Utility of 3-Dimensional Reconstruction Images to Predict Conservative Treatment Outcomes of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures.

BackgroundThree-dimensional (3D) images can provide additional information on bone fractures, especially in patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). We aimed to identify possible risk factors for adverse outcomes using a 3D reconstruction technique.Material/MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed adult patients who underwent plaster immobilization with or without closed reduction for DRFs in our hospital between February 2016 and May 2019. The 3D reconstruction image of DRFs was viewed from multiple angles to determine the existence of gaps or steps. Then, a semiquantitative standard was used to assess the severity of fracture. The patients’ basic data and radiographic data were collected, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify possible risk factors associated with adverse outcomes.ResultsA total of 89 cases were analyzed in our study. There were 28, 39, and 22 patients with level 1, 2, or 3 fractures, respectively, based on the semiquantitative standard. In a multiple linear regression, preoperative severity degree (β, 0.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.260–0.526) and postoperative rehabilitation exercise (β, 0.352; 95% CI, 0.023–0.681) were associated with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation during follow-up.ConclusionsOur study presents a new method based on 3D reconstruction images to assess the severity of intra-articular DRFs. Patients who were identified as having severe fractures based on this method were found to have worse functional outcome.

Pain Management following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Background Distal radius fractures (DRF) are commonly treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Few studies address perioperative and postoperative pain control for this procedure. Questions/Purpose We attempt to demonstrate efficacy of pain management modalities during the perioperative and acute postoperative period after ORIF. Specifically, does the type of perioperative anesthesia used during fixation of DRF affect pain control postoperatively? Does the quantity of narcotic pain medication prescribed or type of pain medication given postoperatively affect pain management? Methods We retrospectively reviewed 294 adult (≥18 years old) patients who underwent outpatient ORIF of acute DRF between December 2012 and December 2014. All procedures were performed with a standard volar plating technique through a flexor carpi radialis approach. Patient demographics, fracture laterality, severity of fracture, type of operative anesthesia, and details regarding postoperative oral pain medications were recorded. We reviewed the number and timing of patient phone calls regarding postoperative pain and refills of pain prescriptions. Results Two-hundred ninety-four patients (average age 48.7 years) were included. One-hundred twenty-two injuries were right-sided (41.5%), 168 were left-sided (57.1%), and four were bilateral (1.4%). One-hundred fifty-one patients (51.4%) received regional anesthesia prior to surgery. Average number of narcotics tablets prescribed was 58. There were 66 patients who called the orthopaedic patient hotline regarding pain-control issues at a median of 7.0 days postoperatively. One-hundred twenty-nine (43.9%) patients required refills of narcotic pain medication postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the number of calls or refills given with regard to the type of anesthesia used or postoperative pain regimen prescribed. Conclusions More than one-fifth of patients who underwent ORIF experienced pain severe enough to call our institution's orthopaedic hotline to ask for help at a median of 7 days after fixation. Clinical Relevance Our study demonstrates poor pain control regardless of intraoperative anesthesia or utilization of varying postoperative pain regimens.

Development of a3Dprinted simulator for closed reduction of distal radius fractures.

BackgroundThe use of simulators in medical education is critical for developing procedural competence prior to treating patients. Current training of emergency physicians to perform distal radius fracture reduction is inconsistent and inadequate.ApproachWe developed a 3D printed distal radius fracture simulation training model that is easy to assemble and relatively inexpensive. We present step-by-step instructions to reproduce the model.EvaluationThe model was found to have high fidelity for training by both instructors and participants in a simulation-based mastery learning course.ReflectionWe successfully designed a low cost, easy to reproduce, high fidelity model for use in a simulation-based mastery learning course to teach distal radius fracture reduction.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40037-020-00609-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and reduction of distal radius fractures in an emergency department.

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures. Ultrasound is gaining importance in the treatment of and as a tool to diagnose distal radius fractures, guide regional anaesthesia and support reductions. Our aim was to demonstrate safety, feasibility and outcome in patients with a distal radius fractures undergoing ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) with ultrasound-guided reduction (UGR), as compared with procedural sedation for the reduction. This retrospective cohort study was carried out in the emergency department of the University Hospital Basel (Switzerland) between February 2014 and October 2017. Adults with an isolated forearm fracture were eligible. The intervention group was treated with UGRA of the brachial plexus and subsequent ultrasound-assisted fracture reduction. Patients in the control group received usual care, which is blind fracture reduction with extension and immobilisation under procedural sedation. 71 patients were enrolled in the intervention group and 142 were to the control group. There was one (1.4%) complication (pneumothorax) in the UGR group. Twenty-five patients (35%) in the intervention group and 67 patients (47%) in the control group underwent surgery. The association between surgery and study group was not significant (p = 0.08). The patient&rsquo;s age was negatively associated with surgery (p &lt;0.001). The association between surgery and study group was significant in patients &ge;60 years (p = 0.035). The combination of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and ultrasound-guided reduction of distal radius fractures is feasible. Safety was shown by 70 out of 71 cases of UGRA being without complication. Effectiveness regarding the necessity of subsequent operation was comparable to usual care; in patients over 60 it may be lower with UGR.

Haematoma block: a safe method for pre-surgical reduction of distal radius fractures

BackgroundThe haematoma block (HB) has been successfully used to minimise pain prior to otherwise painful closed reduction manoeuvres for distal radius fractures. However, the invasive manner of the procedure, which technically produces an open fracture, still raises the question, whether HBs increase the risk of infection compared to conventional intravenous analgesia (IA). The purpose of this study was to assess complication rates and safety of the HB procedure for the closed reduction of surgically treated distal radius fractures.MethodsWe included 176 distal radius fractures in 170 patients in a retrospective mono-centric study, who underwent closed reduction and casting followed by definitive surgical care over a period of two years. Patients either received a HB or IA before closed reduction and were evaluated for minor and major complications over a follow-up period of four years.ResultsOverall, 42 distal radius fractures were treated with a HB (23.9%) and 134 with IA (76.1%) before closed reduction. There were a single major (2.3%) and eight minor (19%) complications observed in the HB group compared to two major (1.4%) and 24 minor (17.9%) complications in the IA group. No significant differences were identified between the two groups. Sex and type of fracture had no effect on complication rates, however, younger patients experienced higher complication rates in comparison to older ones (p = 0.035).ConclusionAccording to our data, the apprehensions that clinicians may have of creating open fractures through HB procedures, are unnecessary and may be abandoned confidently.

Elevated BMI is associated with intra-articular comminution, prolonged operative time, and postoperative complications in distal radius fractures

IntroductionObesity continues to be a problem in the United States with greater than 35% of the adult population affected. Obesity influences fracture care as it affects impact forces, alters cellular pathways of healing, and is often associated with higher complication rates. Distal radius fractures are among the most common fracture patterns in the adult population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of BMI on the degree of intra-articular fracture comminution, operative time, and return to the OR in obese patients who underwent operation for distal radius fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Improvement Program's (ACS-NSQIP) database was performed and logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between BMI and open treatment of distal radius fractures. Three separate CPT codes were used to distinguish between extra-articular fractures, intra-articular split fracture, and intra-articular fracture with comminution. Percutaneous or closed treatment of distal radius fractures were excluded. ResultsA total of 11,228 patients (mean age 65.1 years) with open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures were identified. For every increase in BMI point, there was an increased risk of intra-articular split fracture by 1.7% (OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.010–1.023, p < 0.01) and increased risk of intra-articular comminution by 3.1% (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.025–1.037, p < 0.01). Additionally, for every increase in BMI point, the risk of a surgical complication increased by 2.3% DiscussionThis nationally representative, population-based study demonstrates that elevated BMI is associated with increased risk for intra-articular involvement and higher risk for post-operative complications. Our results can be useful to patients and orthopedic surgeons as prognostic information for counseling patients on expectations following open reduction and surgical fixation of distal radius fractures. Level of evidenceCase-control study. Level III

Radiographic Outcomes and Complications of Delayed Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Surgeons are sometimes presented with patients with distal radius fractures who present in a delayed fashion or lose reduction after several weeks of attempted closed management. There are limited studies on delayed surgical treatment of distal radius fractures to assist providers in decision-making. We conducted a matched cohort study to compare radiographic outcomes and complications for patients with a distal radius fracture treated with delayed (3-5 weeks) or early (0-2 weeks) surgical fixation. Patients ages 18+ who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures by a volar approach at 2 Level I trauma centers between 2003 and 2015 were eligible. We measured radiographic outcomes and reviewed medical records to determine operative approach and complications. There were 25 cases and 50 controls matched for age (18-87), sex, and AO fracture type. The delayed group had surgery at a mean of 24.8 days from injury and the early group at 5.6 days. There was no statistically significant difference between the delayed and early cohorts in radiographic parameters on injury x-rays, in improvement in radiographic parameters on first postoperative x-rays, or in maintenance of radiographic parameters at union. We did not find significant differences in radiographic outcomes or complication rates between patients with delayed versus early surgical treatment for distal radius fracture. Providers treating patients with late presentation or late displacement have the option of surgical fixation beyond the first few weeks after injury. III (Retrospective matched cohort study).

Risk Factors for Failed Closed Reduction of Pediatric Distal Radius Fractures

PurposeDistal radius fractures (DRFs) are common pediatric injuries typically treated with closed reduction and casting. A substantial number of these fractures fail nonsurgical management, occasionally requiring surgical intervention. Risk factors associated with an unsuccessful initial closed reduction (UIR) attempt or loss of reduction (LOR) after a successful closed reduction remain poorly characterized.MethodsThis was a retrospective investigation of pediatric patients with displaced DRFs treated by closed reduction and casting at a single children’s hospital from 2013 to 2017. Patient factors (age, sex, and body mass index) and radiographic measurements (fracture type, fracture displacement, associated ulna fracture, and cast index) were evaluated to determine risk factors for UIR and LOR.ResultsWe identified 159 children (118 boys, mean age, 11 ± 3 years) with DRFs who underwent closed reduction and casting. An initial acceptable reduction was achieved in 81% of patients, and LOR occurred in 21.7%. Higher initial fracture translation in the sagittal or coronal plane and higher initial angulation in the coronal plane were associated with higher fluoroscopy times. Higher initial translation in the sagittal plane was independently associated with UIR. After closed reduction, residual translation in the sagittal plane and cast index were independent predictors for LOR. Fractures that were completely displaced in the sagittal plane were 6.2 times less likely to undergo an acceptable initial reduction, and fractures with any residual postreduction translation in the sagittal plane were 4.7 times more likely to demonstrate LOR.ConclusionsThe most important factors predicting failure of nonsurgical management of pediatric DRFs are translation in the sagittal plane and cast index greater than 0.80. To optimize patient outcomes, these variables should be recognized by the treating provider and emphasized during simulation training of orthopedic and plastic surgery residents.Type of study/level of evidencePrognostic III.

Incidence and risk factors for redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for paediatric distal radius fractures: a case control study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to record the incidence of redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization and to identify possible risk factors that may be associated with the redisplacement.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed paediatric patients who underwent closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for simple distal radius fractures from 2014 to 2018. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after casting. Redisplacement was diagnosed on the basis of image findings. Risk factors for redisplacement were evaluated in three aspects, which included patient-related, fracture-related, and cast-related factors.ResultsA total of 123 children were included in this study. During follow-up, 31 patients (25.2%) showed redisplacement after closed reduction and cast immobilization. Twenty-two redisplacements happened within 1 week after treatment, 8 redisplacements happened between 1 and 2 weeks, and only one redisplacement happened after 2 weeks. In the multivariate analysis, associated ulna fracture (OR, 4.278; 95% CI, 1.773–10.320), initial translation ≥ 50% (OR, 9.148; 95% CI, 3.587–23.332), and 3-point index ≥ 0.40 (OR, 1.280; 95% CI, 1.159–1.401) were three independent factors that correlated with the incidence of redisplacement during follow-up.ConclusionsAbout a quarter of paediatric patients would develop redisplacement after reduction and immobilization with instant rigid cast. Patients with associated ulna fracture, severe initial translation, and high 3-point index have a higher risk to develop redisplacement.

Displaced Distal Radius Fracture Treatment: A Survey of POSNA Membership.

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common pediatric orthopaedic fracture, of which 20% are displaced injuries. Displaced metaphyseal DRFs are often treated with sedated or anesthetized reduction. The necessity of reduction treatment of displaced fractures to achieve good clinical outcomes is unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the treatment preferences for DRFs among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons and to determine whether they were uncertain enough in their decisions to randomize treatment. Twenty-eight DRF scenarios in children aged 3 to 10 years were constructed in an electronic survey to represent a spectrum of age, angulation in sagittal and coronal planes, and displacement. The survey was disseminated to the full membership of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA). Respondents could select either a treatment of (a) attempt anatomic reduction with sedation or (b) nonsedated immobilization. Respondents also denoted whether they would be willing to randomize the treatment of each injury scenario. Patient, fracture, and surgeon characteristics were analyzed to develop predictors of treatment recommendations and willingness to randomize treatment. A total of 319 surgeons responded (23% of POSNA membership). Respondents were a characteristic representation of POSNA membership (well distributed by years in practice, 78% academic, 91% whose work is >80% pediatrics, and 84% work with residents). Predictors of sedated reduction were complete displacement [odds ratio (OR), 9.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.27-37.51; P=0.002] and coronal angulation (per 1-degree increase, OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; P=0.016), Willingness to randomize was inversely related to larger coronal plane angulation (per 1-degree increase, OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P=0.01). A majority of surgeons were willing to randomize 7 of the 8 scenarios involving complete displacement and shortening, and >64% of surgeons were willing to randomize 5 of these 8 scenarios. POSNA members recommend sedated reduction of DRFs primarily based on existence of complete displacement. Although most completely displaced DRFs would undergo reduction, most surgeons would be willing to randomize the treatment of these injuries. This suggests that most POSNA members do not know whether their recommended treatment for displaced DRFs is necessary or correct. This survey establishes the groundwork for a randomized, prospective trial comparing nonsedated immobilization with sedated/anesthetized reduction in the treatment of displaced pediatric DRFs. Level II-survey study.

Indications, surgical approach, reduction, and stabilization techniques of distal radius fractures.

Distal Radius fractures (DRF) are one of the most common injuries in the upper extremity and incidence is expected to rise due to a growing elderly population. The complex decision to treat patients operatively or conservatively depends on a large variety of parameters which have to be considered. No unanimous consensus has been reached yet, which operative approach and fixation technique would produce the best postoperative functional results with lowest complication rates. This article addresses the available evidence for indications, approaches, reduction, and fixation techniques in treating DRF.

Necessity of acceptable radiologic alignment by preoperative closed reduction for unstable distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the necessity of achieving acceptable radiographic alignment by preoperative closed reduction in unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs) to improve preoperative pain and obtain satisfactory outcomes after surgery. From 2013 to 2016, patients who received volar locking plates for DRFs were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into acceptable and non-acceptable reduction groups based on immediate post-reduction radiographs. To avoid potential bias, a matched-pair analysis was performed, and paired patients were categorized into non-acceptable reduction (group A) and acceptable reduction (group B) groups. Preoperative pain level, mean length of stay, operation time, postoperative complications, and surgical outcomes were analysed. The preoperative pain level and functional results were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Of the 239 patients, 80 had non-acceptable and 159 had acceptable reductions. Among these patients, 201 (66 in group A vs. 135 in group B) were matched in a 1:2 matched ratio. Although the radiological parameters after closed reduction were better in group B, there were no significant differences in the preoperative pain VAS score, mean length of stay, operation time, and postoperative complications between the groups. In addition, radiologic parameters and the DASH score at a 1-year follow-up were also not significantly different between the groups. Our results suggest that obtaining acceptable radiologic alignment by closed reduction is not necessary for patients who make an informed decision to undergo volar plating for unstable DRFs.