Ulnar Fracture Research Articles

Arthroscopic Reduction and Fixation of Coronoid Fractures with Bending K-Wire: A New Technique.

The ulnar coronoid process plays a key role in maintaining elbow stability; however, there is no gold standard treatment for ulnar coronoid process fractures. We present a novel surgical technique, arthroscopic reduction and bent K-wire fixation, for type II and III coronoid process fractures according to the O’Driscoll classification. Five patients were treated and retrospectively reviewed between January 2016 and December 2019. All the surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. We evaluated clinical outcomes by evaluating a range of motion, disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), and radiographic images. Intraoperative and postoperative radiographs showed that the fractures healed well and were satisfactorily fixed. The average elbow extension/flexion was −3/130, with an average DASH score of 2.42 and MEPS of 97. Coronoid process fractures can be treated successfully with arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bent K-wire, which allows more rigid fixation and early functional exercise, resulting in good outcomes without special tools.

Management of ulna fractures in adult horses

Management of ulna fractures in adult horses

“You’re O.K. Anesthesia”: Closed Reduction of Displaced Pediatric Forearm and Wrist Fractures in the Office Without Anesthesia

Angulated wrist and forearm fractures are among the most common pediatric fractures, and they often require closed reduction with anesthesia. There are several issues associated with pediatric anesthesia including the low but non-zero risk of significant complications, increased physician and staff time and effort, and increased cost. Despite these issues, there have not been any studies to prove that using anesthesia results in better outcomes or higher caregiver satisfaction in comparison to performing closed reductions without anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of closed reductions of angulated pediatric wrist and forearm fractures and to determine caregiver satisfaction with an anesthesia-free reduction technique. This study included 54 pediatric patients with closed, angulated fractures of the radius or combined radial and ulnar shafts. All closed reductions were performed by a single pediatric fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in the office setting without any anesthesia. Radiographs were obtained to assess the quality of the reduction. At the first follow-up visit, caregivers were asked about their interim use of pain medications. Caregivers were later surveyed about patient use of analgesics and their satisfaction with an anesthesia-free reduction technique. The average age of the 54 patients in this study was 9 years (1.8 to 16.8y). Thirty-three fractures were combined radial and ulnar forearm shaft fractures, 18 were distal radius fractures, and 3 were radial shaft fractures. ≤10 degrees of residual angulation was achieved in 98% of patients. Nine percent (5/54) of the patients used ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain control. Seventy eight percent (42/54) of the caregivers responded to the telephone and email surveys. All responding caregivers stated that the patients returned to full function and had satisfactory outcomes. Ninety eight percent (41/42) of the caregivers stated they would choose the same anesthesia-free reduction technique again. Closed reduction of angulated pediatric wrist and forearm fractures in the office without anesthesia can achieve satisfactory reductions and high caregiver satisfaction while eliminating the risks and complications associated with pediatric anesthesia. Level IV Case series.

Paediatric forearm fractures manipulated in the emergency department: incidence and risk factors for re-manipulation under general anaesthesia.

Re-manipulation of paediatric forearm fractures under general anaesthetic may be required following inadequate closed reduction under conscious sedation. Manipulation under general anaesthetic carries significant inherent risks and is preferably avoided. We assessed one institution's experience with paediatric forearm fracture reduction and investigate the incidence of re-manipulation under general anaesthetic of fractures initially managed under conscious sedation without fluoroscopy. All paediatric forearm fractures presenting to the children's emergency department of our national children's hospital between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019 were studied. Radius and ulna fractures were categorised according to fracture location (distal third, middle third, proximal third), any associated injury, and any plan to proceed to the operating room that was documented prior to manipulation in the emergency department. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out to test for differences between discrete and continuous data and odds ratios were calculated. Three-hundred and nine patients presented during the study period with 267 being eligible for analysis. Fifteen point seven percent (42/267) required fracture manipulation in the operating theatre following initial reduction in the children's emergency department. Independent risk factors associated with significantly higher rates of failed reduction under conscious sedation (p<0.001-0004) were patients who had a delay in presentation to hospital, were older, or had a non-distal fracture site. There are higher rates of re-manipulation under general anaesthetic in children presenting to the emergency department of our national children's hospital with forearm fractures than seen in comparative international studies. Risk factors which predict an inadequate initial reduction and interventions to improve this are discussed.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic One-Tunnel Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Transosseous Suture Repair Are Not Diminished in Cases of Ulnar Styloid Process Fracture Nonunion

To determine whether clinical outcomes of arthroscopic one-tunnel wrist triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) transosseous suture repair are not diminished in cases of ulnar styloid process fracture nonunion (USPFN). Patients who underwent arthroscopic 1-tunnel transosseous suture repair of Palmer 1B foveal TFCC tear (with/without superficial fiber tear; Atzei class 2 or 3 TFCC tear) from 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Group I was the TFCC foveal tear repair group with USPFN. Group II was the TFCC foveal tear repair group without USPFN. In group I, no additional treatment for USPFN was made. Functional preoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared by Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score; grip strength; pain visual analog scale (VAS); and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability. Wrist posteroanterior, lateral, and both oblique views of the wrist were used to assess the ulnar styloid process before and after operation. This study consisted of 66 patients: group I (n= 22) and group II (n= 44). No differences were found between the 2 groups preoperatively in MMWS, Quick-DASH, grip strength, and VAS (MMWS: P= .94, Quick-DASH: P= .23, grip strength: P=.69, VAS: P= .45). No differences were found between the 2 groups with respect to outcome measures postoperatively in MMWS, Quick-DASH, grip strength, and VAS (MMWS: P= .59, Quick DASH: P= .82, grip strength: P= .15, VAS: P= .84). All of the enrolled patients achieved restored function with negative ballottement test and maintained DRUJ stability on follow-up. Of the 22 USPFN cases in group I, 11 (50%) showed spontaneous union after transosseous TFCC foveal repair without any additional USPFN treatment. The proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference for the Quick-DASH was similar between the 2 groups. Although this current study has insufficient statistical power, the available data suggest that patients with TFCC foveal tear combined with USPFNs treated with arthroscopic transosseous repair surgery could experience similar functional improvement compared with those with TFCC foveal tear without USPFNs. The presence of USPFN accompanied by Palmer 1B type TFCC foveal tear may not affect the clinical results, including MMWS, Quick-DASH, grip strength, VAS, and DRUJ stability of patients who undergo arthroscopic 1-tunnel transosseous suture repair. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Circumferential periosteal block versus hematoma block for the reduction of distal radius and ulna fractures: a randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo assess the analgesic efficacy of the circumferential periosteal block (CPB) and compare it with the conventional fracture hematoma block (HB).MethodsThis study was a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial performed in a national orthopedic hospital. Fifty patients with displaced distal radius (with or without concomitant ulna) fractures requiring reduction were randomized to receive either CPB or HB prior to the reduction. Pain was sequentially measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) across three stages; before administration of local anesthesia (baseline), during administration (injection) and during manipulation and immobilization (manipulation). Further, the effect of demographic factors on the severity of pain was analyzed in multivariate regression. Finally, complications and end outcomes were compared across both techniques.ResultsPatients receiving CPB experienced significantly less pain scores during manipulation (VAS = 0.64) compared with HB (VAS = 2.44) (p = < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline (P = 0.55) and injection (P = 0.40) stages.ConclusionThe CPB provides a superior analgesic effect over the conventional HB with no documented complications in either technique.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level II.

Ulna hook plate osteosynthesis for ulna head fracture associated with distal radius fracture

BackgroundDistal ulna head or neck fracture is commonly associated with distal radius fracture. Treatment of these fractures remains controversial. Plate osteosynthesis is commonly performed. The purpose of this study was to observe clinical and radiological outcomes in ulna hook plate osteosynthesis for distal ulna fracture associated with distal radius fracture.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study between 2010 and 2018 included patients presenting combined displaced distal ulna fracture and distal radius fracture who were treated with ulna hook plate osteosynthesis. Patient evaluation included pain measurement with the visual analog scale, wrist range of motion, grip and pinch strengths, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score, and Mayo wrist score. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed to classify the distal ulna fracture according to Biyani. Bone union was evaluated on postoperative X-rays. At final follow-up, the usual radiographic parameters were measured and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) osteoarthritis was assessed.ResultsA total of 48 patients were included. Mean age was 63 years old and mean follow-up was 28 months. According to the Biyani classification, there were 12 type I, 4 type II, 8 type III, and 24 type IV distal ulna fractures. Wrist flexion was 60°, extension 57°, pronation 85°, and supination 80°. Grip strength was 21 kg (86% of the uninjured opposite side). Pinch strength was 6.6 kg (92% of the uninjured opposite side). Clinical scores were very good to excellent, with a mean Q-DASH of 12 and a Mayo wrist score of 90. Discomfort or pain due to the implant that required implant removal was reported in 29%, and was higher in younger patients. Nonunion was observed in two cases and secondary implant displacement in one case. These three cases required secondary intervention with ulna head resection, which was higher in Biyani type IV. DRUJ osteoarthritis was observed in 12 patients (31%) and was higher in older patients.ConclusionsUlna hook plate fixation gives good clinical results and a high rate of fracture union, but complications are common. Implant irritation is a frequent complication, especially in young patients, and often requires implant removal.Level of evidence: IV

Risk Factors for Failure of Closed Forearm Fracture Reduction in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

This study aimed to explore risk factors for failure of forearm fracture closed reduction in the pediatric emergency department (ED) and to suggest indications for initial surgery. This retrospective cohort study included all patients aged 0 to 18 years who presented to our pediatric ED with an extraarticular forearm fracture treated with closed reduction between May 2017 and April 2021. We explored risk factors for procedural failure, defined as a need for surgical intervention within 6 weeks of the closed reduction attempt. Of 375 patients (median age 8.1 years, 294 [78.2%] boys), 44 (11.7%) patients sustained a reduction failure, of whom 42 (95.5%) had both radius and ulna fractures. Of the 259 patients with fractures of both bones, the following parameters were independent predictors for reduction failure: refracture (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 17.6, P < 0.001), open fracture (aOR 10.1, P = 0.007), midshaft fracture (aOR 2.6, P = 0.004), radial translation rate 37% and higher in either plane (aOR 5.1, P = 0.004), and age of 10 years and older (aOR 2.9, P = 0.01). Most pediatric forearm fractures can be successfully managed by closed reduction in the ED. Two-bone fractures had the strongest association with reduction failure. Refracture, open fracture, midshaft location, initial radius bone translation of 37% and higher (and not initial angulation), and patient age of 10 years and older are independent risk factors for reduction failure in two-bone fractures. We propose a risk score for reduction failure that can serve as a decision-making tool.

Single Modified Posterior Approach through the Space of the Proximal Radioulnar Joint for Terrible Triad Injury: A Comparative Study.

ObjectiveIn order to reduce surgical scars and the risk of neurovascular injury for the treatment of terrible triad injuries of the elbow (TTI), minimally invasive and better therapeutic effect approaches are being explored to replace the conventional combined lateral and medial approach (CLMA). This study was performed to compare the clinical effect and security of the modified posterior approach (MPA) through the space of the proximal radioulnar joint vs the CLMA for treatment of TTI.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 76 patients treated for TTI from January 2009 to December 2020 (MPA: n = 44; CLMA: n = 32). Treatment involved plate and screw fixation or Steinmann pin fixation for the radial head and ulnar coronoid process fractures. Surgeons only sutured the lateral ligament because the medial collateral ligament was usually integrated in the TTI. The continuous variables were compared by the independent Student t‐test and the categorical variables by the χ2‐test or Fisher's exact test.ResultsBoth groups of patients attained a satisfactory MEPS after the operation. The MEPS (MPA: 96.82 ± 6.04 vs CLMA: 96.56 ± 5.51) was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the MPA resulted in better elbow flexion and extension (MPA: 123.98 ± 10.09 vs CLMA: 117.66 ± 8.29), better forearm rotation function (MPA: 173.41 ± 6.81 vs CLMA: 120.00 ± 12.18), and less intraoperative hemoglobin (MPA: 9.34 ± 5.64 vs CLMA: 16.5 ± 8.75) and red cell volume loss (MPA: 3.09 ± 2.20 vs CLMA: 6.70 ± 2.97) (All p < 0.05). Although the CLMA had a shorter surgery time (MPA: 171.73 ± 80.68 vs CLMA: 130.16 ± 71.50) (p < 0.05), it had a higher risk of neurologic damage (MPA: 0 vs CLMA: 4) (p < 0.05). Four patients developed forearm or hand numbness after the CLMA, but no patients developed numbness after the MPA. All 76 patients were followed up for 15 months postoperatively.ConclusionThe MPA through the space of the proximal radioulnar joint has more prominent advantages than the CLMA for TTI, including single scar, clear exposure, good fixation, lower risk of neurovascular injury, and better elbow joint motion. It is a safe and effective surgical approach that is worthy of clinical promotion.

Treatment of Distal Ulnar Fractures by Distal Ulnar Hook Plate

Treatment of Distal Ulnar Fractures by Distal Ulnar Hook Plate

Three cases of olecranon fracture repair in the standing horse

SummaryUlnar fractures in three horses were repaired using plate fixation whilst sedated and restrained in stocks in the standing position. In each horse, the triceps muscle attachment was intact. All horses recovered well from surgery and were stable for 3 months. The plate was removed 3 months after surgery in one of the horses because of a surgical site infection. In all three cases, the fracture was adequately reduced, and the horses returned to showjumping, pleasure riding and pasture turnout with a view to begin training. The surgical technique, local anaesthesia and sedation protocols are described. This is a novel technique that may be suitable in selected cases of ulnar fracture in the horse where triceps muscle engagement is present with mild fracture displacement.

Epidemiology of Distal Forearm Fracture: A Population-Based Study of 5426 Fractures.

Despite intensive research into the epidemiology of adult distal forearm fractures, the literature is limited. This study aimed to provide a full overview of adult distal forearm fracture epidemiology, including incidence, fracture classification, mode of injury, and trauma mechanism in patients sustaining a distal forearm fracture, based on an accurate at-risk population with manually validated data leading to a high quality in data. This was a population-based cohort study with a manual review of X-rays and charts. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of adult distal forearm fractures. The study was based on an average at-risk population of 522 607 citizens. A total of 5426 adult distal forearm fractures were included during the study period. Females accounted for 4199 (77%) and males accounted for 1227 (23%) of fractures. The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.7/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year, and male incidence was 93.3/100 000/year. A marked increase in incidence with increasing age was observed for females after 50 years of age. The incidence of distal radius fractures was 203.0/100 000/year, and the incidence of isolated ulna fractures was 3.8/100 000/year. The most common fracture type was an extra-articular AO type 2R3A (69%), and the most common mode of injury was a fall from own height (76%). A small non-trending year-to-year variation was observed during the 5-year study period. Results show that adult distal forearm fractures are very common in women after the postmenopausal period. The overall incidence of adult distal forearm fractures was 207.8/100 000/year. Female incidence was 323.4/100 000/year.

Sauvé Kapandji Procedure to Salvage Wrist Function in a 2-month-old Distal End Radius and Ulna Fracture – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Sauvé Kapandji Procedure to Salvage Wrist Function in a 2-month-old Distal End Radius and Ulna Fracture – A Case Report and Review of Literature

Outcomes of distal ulna locking plate in management of unstable distal ulna fractures: a prospective case series

IntroductionGiven the absence of a satisfying plate system to deal with multifragmentary or subcapital distal ulnar fractures, the Distal Ulna Locking Plate (DUL, I.T.S. GmbH, Graz, Austria) could become a useful treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the results of this anatomically pre-contoured plate regarding patients with unstable or displaced distal ulnar fractures.MethodsIn a prospective clinical trial, 20 patients (18 female, two male; mean age 70 years (24–91 years)) with unstable or displaced distal ulna fractures between December 2010 and August 2015 were analyzed. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the DUL. They were evaluated at three follow-up appointments at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively regarding their bone healing, ulnar variance (UV), range of motion (ROM) and grip strength. Patient related outcomes were measured using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The results after one year were compared to the outcome of the healthy contralateral side.ResultsAll fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the Distal Ulna Locking Plate healed within 6 months and showed stable ulnar variances after surgery. ROM (rotational plane 81.1 ± 9.0°, sagittal plane 55.1 ± 14.6°, frontal plane 33.0 ± 9.4°) and grip strength (18.7 ± 7.1 N) at the follow-up after 12 month had similar values compared with the uninjured side. The mean DASH score (36.4 ± 29.0), the PRWE-score (14.5 ± 27.0), and the VAS (at rest 0.5 ± 1.1, during activity 1.2 ± 2.4) after one year had no significant difference to the uninjured side. The surgeon’s overall satisfaction rate regarding plate handling reached 81.8%.ConclusionStabilization of unstable distal ulna fractures using the DUL restores nearly normal anatomy and function. Its pre-countered design, volar placement, and enhanced stability present a satisfying plate system.Trial registration The trial was retrospectively Registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov on 16 December 2021 (Trial Registration Number: NCT05329012).

The Socio-Economic Burden of Paediatric Long Bone Fractures in A Low Resource Setting

Objective: Paediatric long bone fractures are prevalent and a significant source of direct medical costs and indirect costs resulting from economic production losses within affected families. Our study aimed to describe the occurrence of paediatric long bone fractures and its direct and indirect costs to the affected families.Methods: A prospective review and follow-up of all paediatric long bone fracture admissions at KATH A&amp;E was conducted from March to June 2018. The study assessed the socio-economic burden of paediatric long bone fractures on the patients and caregivers.Results: In the period, 97 children presented with mean age of 6.7years (SD=3.9 years) and 63.9% being male. Mechanism of injury was mostly falling during walking or running (39.1%) and 19.6% were pedestrian knockdowns. Most injuries occurred at home (41.2%)and school (30.9%) and 13.4% reported to the hospital in an ambulance. The most common fracture was both radius and ulna (26.8%) and closed fractures (83.5%) with 10.5% undergoing operative management. Caregivers were mostly females (67.0%) and the meanage was 39.3 years (SD=11.8years). The mean direct cost of treatment was GHS 928.91 (SD=GHS 1683.97) for all patients and GHS 3,587.50 (SD=GHS 3401.87) for surgically managed patients. The mean cost of treatment covered by health insurance was GHS 348.83(SD=GHS 738.64). Mean missed workdays for caregivers was 24.5days (SD=31.1days)Conclusion: Fractures of both radius and ulna were common in our paediatric population and occurred mostly at home. Paediatric fractures have a significant socioeconomic burden on the caregivers. There is the need to advocate for injury prevention strategies thattarget safety at home and in school.

The Effect of Ulnar Styloid Fractures on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgically Treated Distal Radial Fractures.

Background:Ulnar styloid fractures (USFs) are often associated with distal radial fractures (DRFs). When unstable DRFs are treated surgically, any associated USF is most commonly left untreated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a concomitant USF on outcome after surgical stabilization of a DRF.Methods:Data from 2 randomized controlled trials on the treatment of unstable DRFs were pooled. The effect of a USF on the QuickDASH, EQ-5D, pain, and range of motion at 2 years was evaluated.Results:Two hundred and eighty-one patients were included; 177 (63%) had an associated, untreated USF. An unadjusted analysis demonstrated no significant difference in functional or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 2 years between patients with or without a concomitant USF. When controlling for confounding factors, the presence of a USF did not predict change in any of the PROMs from baseline to 2 years. A concomitant USF also did not predict change in grip strength or range of motion, except for a small effect on extension (−4.1°; 95% confidence interval, −7.5° to −0.8°; p = 0.02), which probably does not have clinical relevance.Conclusions:A USF in combination with a DRF does not affect PROMs, range of motion, or grip strength. We recommend that concomitant USFs be left untreated when treating a DRF with surgical fixation.Level of Evidence:Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

DISTAL ULNAR FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES: INCIDENCE, TREATMENT OPTIONS AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME

DISTAL ULNAR FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES: INCIDENCE, TREATMENT OPTIONS AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN A PATIENT WITH COMPOUND RADIUS AND ULNAR FRACTURE OF UPPER LIMB

Distal radius and ulnar fractures usually have a significant role in affecting the functions of hand. They are the most common fractures of the forearm caused by either direct trauma (hit by bat) or indirect trauma (fall). Important clinical features are pain, swelling and decreased forearm and hand functions. These fractures are diagnosed by X-rays and usually managed either conservatively if the fragments are not displaced or by open reduction if the fragments are displaced. The present case report is of a female of age 55 years met with an accident 3 weeks prior. She was operated on the next day with open reduction and internal fixation and physiotherapy started immediately the next day. Patient was given early physiotherapy training to fingers and shoulder joint of left side to prevent disuse atrophy and to improve circulation. Along with this the patient was also encouraged to perform gripping activities of affected hand, Thumb movements an also generalised active movements for rest of the extremities both upper and lower limbs. Patient was even taught about the breathing exercises and breathing control training to promote active participation. Patient was receiving physiotherapy for two weeks. At the end of two weeks patient was not having any swelling or oedema in the extremity and movements were preserved in other joints of affected extremity and unaffected upper limb and lower limbs. Patient was able to do her activities of daily living by herself and has good balance while sitting, standing and walking. This case report signifies the importance early physiotherapy for compound fractures of forearm.

IS LOCKED COMPRESSION PLATE BETTER THAN LIMITED CONTACT DYNAMIC COMPRESSION PLATE IN TREATMENT OF CLOSED MIDDLE THIRD RADIUS AND ULNAR FRACTURES IN ADULTS: A SHORT-TERM COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: Forearm bone fracture is a commonly encountered fracture. The inception of locking compression plate (LCP) has revolutionized fracture management. With their dramatic success for articular fractures, there is a speculation that they might be more appropriate for diaphyseal fractures as well. Objective: To compare internal fixation of closed, middle third forearm fractures with LCP and limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) in adults with respect to union rate, implant failure, functional outcome, and infection rate. Methods: Twenty-two patients with closed, middle third fractures of both the forearm bones were involved in this prospective, randomized, controlled study, which took place between February 2019 to January 2021. They were segregated into two groups based on open reduction and internal fixation with LCP (n=11) and with LC-DCP (n=11). Postoperative follow-up intervals of 1, 2, 6 weeks and 3, 6 months. The patients were assessed for implant failure, fracture union and function outcome of Andersons’ criteria to assess union, forearm rotation, and wrist flexion-extension, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score for patient related outcome at the latest follow up. Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.9 years (range 19-47 years) with mean follow up about of 2 years. The union rate in LCP group was (100%) whereas in LC-DCP was (81.8%), the p value was (0.4), which is not statistically significant. The p value for Quick DASH score and Anderson’ criteria were (0.8 and 0.43), respectively which is also not statistically significant. No incidence of implant failure in both groups. Conclusion: Although LCP is an effective treatment alternative and may have a subtle edge over LC-DCP in the management of these fractures, their supremacy could not be certified. We deduce that surgical planning and expertise rather than the choice of implant are more pivotal for outstanding results. Keywords: Limited contact dynamic compression plate, locking compression plate, closed, middle third fractures, both bones of forearm Citation: Chhaily ZA, Joda AI, Abd Ali AS, Ali ZH. Is locked compression plate better than limited contact dynamic compression plate in treatment of closed middle third radius and ulnar fractures in adults: A short-term comparative study. Iraqi JMS. 2022; 20(1): 146-153. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.20.1.19

Facteurs prédictifs de la pseudarthrose d’une fracture de la styloïde ulnaire non fixée associée aux fractures du radius distal chez des patients traités par plaque palmaire verrouillée et leurs effets sur les résultats fonctionnels

IntroductionNonunion of ulnar styloid fractures after radius stabilisation by volar locking plate (VLP) fixation without surgical fixation on ulnar styloid fractures is quite common. However, the factors affecting the nonunion of ulnar styloid fractures and their effect on functional outcomes in patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs) treated with VLP fixation are unclear. HypothesisThe purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors affecting nonunion of unrepaired ulnar styloid fractures in patients with DRFs and the effect of nonunion and its predictors on functional outcomes. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from 84 patients with DRF who underwent VLP fixation. None of the accompanying ulnar styloid fractures were manipulated during the surgery. Postoperative evaluation included the measurement of the grip strength, wrist range of motion, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score at a minimum of one year postoperatively. Patients were divided into the nonunion and union groups according to the presence of union of ulnar styloid fracture. Demographic and radiologic parameters, including age, sex, bone mineral density, location and displacement distance of ulnar styloid fracture and fracture pattern of DRFs, were analysed to identify predictors of nonunion. Functional outcomes were compared between the two groups and were compared according to the presence of predictors of nonunion. ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed that the nonunion rate was higher in ulnar styloid non-base fractures, substantial displacement (≥1.9mm) of ulnar styloid fracture, and AO/OTA C-type DRF. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-base fractures and substantial displacement were significant predictors. Accompanying ulnar styloid fracture nonunion and its predictors were found not to influence functional outcomes. DiscussionSubstantial displacement and non-base fracture are predictive factors for nonunion of unrepaired ulnar styloid fractures after DRF treatment with VLP fixation. However, nonunion and its predictors do not influence the overall wrist function. These findings suggest that the ulnar styloid fracture accompanying DRF should not be considered a fracture affecting the wrist function when treating with VLP fixation. Level of EvidenceIII, Retrospective, Case Control study.