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At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Wrist-bridging versus non-bridging external fixation for displaced distal radius fractures: a randomized assessor-blind clinical trial of 38 patients followed for 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Non-bridging external fixation has been introduced to achieve better fracture fixation and functional outcomes in distal radius fractures, but has not been specifically evaluated in a randomized study in the elderly. The purpose of this trial was to compare wrist-bridging and non-bridging external fixation for displaced distal radius fractures. METHOD: The inclusion criteria were women >/= 50 or men >/= 60 years, acute extraarticular or intraarticular fracture, and dorsal angulation of >/=20 degrees or ulnar variance >/= 5 mm. The patients completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire before and at 10, 26 and 52 weeks after surgery. Pain (visual analog scale), range of motion and grip strength were measured by a blinded assessor. RESULTS: 38 patients (mean age 71 years, 31 women) were randomized at surgery (19 to each group). Mean operating time was shorter for wrist-bridging fixation by 10 (95% CI 3-17) min. There was no significant difference in DASH scores between the groups. No statistically significant differences in pain score, range of motion, grip strength, or patient satisfaction were found. The non-bridging group had a significantly better radial length at 52 weeks; mean difference in change in ulnar variance from baseline was 1.4 (95% CI 0.1-2.7) mm (p = 0.04). Volar tilt and radial inclination were similar in both groups. INTERPRETATION: For moderately or severely displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly, non-bridging external fixation had no clinically relevant advantage over wrist-bridging fixation but was more effective in maintaining radial length.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Determinants of the first decade of bone loss after menopause at spine, hip and radius.

This study documented bone loss at three different sites in the early postmenopausal period, and examined potential predictors. Forty-three women underwent repeated measurements of bone density at the lumbar spine, proximal femur and distal radius for up to 14 years. Individual rates of bone loss were calculated for the spine and hip; for radial trabecular bone, rates were calculated separately for two time periods, earlier and later after menopause. In the spine and radius, initially high rates of loss diminished with time after menopause. No positive correlations for bone loss were found between the three sites, suggesting that faster than average bone loss was specific to individual bones. High body mass index (BMI) was significantly protective against fast bone loss at the spine and radius; in the spine, each unit increase in BMI was associated with a approximately 5% reduction in the rate of bone loss. Of the other variables measured (maximum oxygen consumption, lean body mass, fat mass, mean psoas muscle area at the L3 level, hand grip strength as well as anthropometry) only bone densitometry was sufficiently predictive to help guidance on hormone replacement or other prophylactic therapy. The data suggest that the known relationship between excessive leanness and risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture after menopause might in part be due to fast post-menopausal bone loss. Because bulk of psoas muscle was associated with low spine loss rates, the data also support a role for applied muscular loading in local maintenance of bone density.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Stabilization of comminuted fractures of the distal inch of the radius: percutaneous pinning.

Comminuted fractures of the distal inch of the radius have always been difficult to stabilize. Closed reduction and plaster cast fixation frequently result in recurring deformity and some loss of wrist function. A method of closed pinning with proper placement of multiple small Kirschner wires to supplement plaster cast fixation in selected comminuted fractures helps retain anatomical position of the major fragments of the distal end of the radius. This method is sound in principle and we recommend its use in the treatment of severly comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Distal radioulnar joint injuries associated with fractures of the distal radius.

The most common cause of residual wrist disability after fractures of the distal radius is the distal radioulnar joint. The 3 basic conditions that produce radioulnar pain and limitation of forearm rotation are instability, joint incongruency, and ulnocarpal abutment. The last 2 entities initiate irreversible cartilage damage that eventually leads to degenerative joint disease. Early recognition and management in the acute stage aim at the anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint including bone, joint surfaces, and ligaments in an effort to reduce the incidence of painful sequelae and functional deficit. This article provides a description and the treatment options of the distal radioulnar joint lesions that occur in association with fractures of the distal radius, and the results obtained with open and arthroscopic techniques. Both acute and chronic disorders are analyzed, and a prognostic and treatment oriented classification is presented Furthermore, the pathoanatomy and management of chronic distal radioulnar joint derangement after fracture of the distal radius are reviewed briefly.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

External fixation for distal radius fractures: effect of distraction on outcome.

Few studies have examined the potential adverse effects of excess distraction and prolonged duration of external fixation for the treatment of distal radius fractures. In this study, 19 patients with distal radius fractures treated with external fixation and supplemental Kirschner wire fixation between August 1991 and November 1997 were studied retrospectively. Patients were evaluated by questionnaire, chart review, radiographs, and clinical examination an average of 161 weeks after injury. Although no significant correlation was found between amount of distraction, as measured by carpal height index, and scores for pain, function, radiographs, motion, grip, strength, and final result, a negative correlation was found of all categories with increasing carpal height index. A significant negative correlation was seen between duration of external fixation and scores for pain, motion, and total score, with motion scores being most affected. New York Orthopaedic Hospital grades of good or excellent were attained by 89% of the patients. The data suggest that external fixation with supplemental pin fixation is a satisfactory method of treating severe fractures of the distal radius. Outcome likely is improved with shorter duration of external fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Palmar plating for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius.

Extensor tendon rupture and irritation caused by implants or surgical intervention are serious complications in the treatment of fracture of the distal radius when a dorsal approach is used. To prevent complications, the dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius was treated using a palmar approach. The subjects were 18 men and 15 women with a mean age of 54 years at the time of the injury (range, 23-75 years). All the patients had internal fixation with a plate and screws using the palmar approach. Union was achieved in all patients. Radiographic parameters, including the palmar tilt, radial inclination, radial length, and ulnar variance have been maintained since the operation. According to the rating scale of Gartland and Werley, there were 12 excellent, 20 good, and one fair result. There were no extensor tendon injuries that occurred during use of the palmar approach in this small series of patients. Palmar plating can be safe and effective for treatment of a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Digital radiographs in the assessment of distal radius fracture parameters.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the reliability of measurement of distal radius fracture parameters using digital radiographs. Digital radiographs and corresponding plain radiographs of the wrists of 20 patients with intraarticular distal radius fractures were used to measure radial inclination, palmar tilt, radial height, and articular step-off. The plain radiographs and digital images were evaluated independently by three examiners in two sessions. The plain radiographs were assessed using a standard goniometer (manual measurements) whereas the digitized radiographs were evaluated using imaging software to do the computer-assisted measurements. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability were measured using repeated measures analysis of variance and weighted kappa statistics. Measurement of the digital images improved the interobserver reliability of measurement of palmar tilt from substantial to excellent, radial height from moderate to substantial, and articular step-off from fair to moderate. Similarly, intraobserver reliability increased from moderate to substantial when measuring radial height. In no instance (between or within observers) did the level of reliability decrease when using digital images for fracture evaluation. The current data suggest that the reliability of measurements of angular and linear fracture parameters of distal radius fractures is similar between plain and digital radiographs.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Carpometacarpal dislocation of the thumb associated with ipsilateral fracture of the distal radius.

An acute carpometacarpal (CMC) dislocation of the thumb is itself an extremely rare injury, but one associated with a fracture of the distal radius has never before been reported. In our case, the fracture of the distal radius was treated by closed reduction and immobilization with a plaster cast, whereas the dislocation of the CMC of the thumb was treated with closed reduction, percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires, and immobilization with a plaster cast. At the patient's two-year follow-up examination, the distal radius fracture displayed successful functional and radiographic results, but a subluxation of the CMC joint was evident.

Carpal Bones↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Open reduction and plate fixation of displaced AO type C3 fractures of the distal radius: restoration of articular congruity in eighteen cases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of open reduction and plate fixation to restore articular congruity in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius with intraarticular comminution and displacement. DESIGN: Prospectively followed series. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive fractures of the distal radius with intraarticular comminution and displacement were treated with open reduction and combined volar and dorsal plate fixation in thirteen, dorsal plate fixation in four, and volar plate fixation in one case. Kirschner wires were added in thirteen fractures and cancellous bone graft was used in four fractures. Articular congruity after a mean follow-up of twenty-three months was assessed using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: Articular congruity without a two millimeter or more intraarticular stepoff was found at follow-up in fifteen of eighteen cases, without a two millimeter or more gap in nine cases and without a two millimeter or more stepoff or gap in only eight cases. One reason for not having obtained articular congruity in some of the fractures was insufficient intraoperative visualization of the joint surface. Three reduced fractures redisplaced. The reason for loss of intraarticular reduction was considered insufficient stabilization of the distal fragments. In two of the three cases, it was thought that insertion of bone graft would have prevented the loss of reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Articular incongruity after open reduction and plate fixation of comminuted fractures of the distal radius may occur more often than expected. The reduced fracture should be evaluated by intraoperative radiographs. If the reduced joint surface is not entirely visible on the radiographs because of implants or other reasons, oblique radiographs or fluoroscopy should be additionally used. Plate fixation alone does not always provide sufficient stability and cancellous bone graft should be added in cases of metaphyseal bone loss or for stabilization of multiple small articular fragments that cannot be fixed by screws or Kirschner wires.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Impact of bone density on distal radius fracture patterns and comparison between five different fracture classifications.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone geometry on failure loads and fracture patterns of the distal radius and to compare 5 different fracture classifications. DESIGN: Biomechanical and radiologic in vitro study. SETTING: Research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: A total of 118 intact human forearms from elderly donors were examined by means of conventional radiography and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT) to determine BMD and geometry. The forearms were subjected to a standardized biomechanical test simulating a fall on the outstretched hand. The distal radius fractures were classified from x-rays using the AO ( 33), Cooney ( 9), Fernandez ( 15), Frykman ( 17), and Melone ( 31) classifications. The grading was repeated after preparation and direct visual inspection of the fracture site and was correlated with radiographic results. Fracture patterns also were correlated with BMD and geometry. RESULTS: Correlations between bone properties and fracture patterns (r = 0.09-0.70) suggested an increase in the severity of fractures with decreasing bone quality. The highest correlation between failure load and bone properties was found for the cortical area (r = 0.70) and trabecular density (r = 0.60). Good correlations between radiographic and direct visual classification were obtained for the Cooney ( 9) (r = 0.70), the AO ( 33) (r = 0.68), and the Fernandez ( 15) (r = 0.65) classifications. Smaller values were found for the Frykman ( 17) (r = 0.44) and the Melone ( 31) (r = 0.27) classifications. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing osteopenia, the load to failure decreases, and the severity of fractures increases. Fracture patterns in this patient population can be adequately graded with the AO ( 33) and Cooney ( 9) classifications. The severity of distal radius fractures tends to be underestimated by conventional x-ray examination, which needs to be taken into account when a fracture treatment plan is selected.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Results of palmar plating of the lunate facet combined with external fixation for the treatment of high-energy compression fractures of the distal radius.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the outcome of the treatment of patients who sustained high-energy, compression-type injuries of the distal radius. DESIGN: The retrospective study evaluated the outcome of reduction and plating of the lunate facet in conjunction with standard external fixation. SETTING: A Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Inclusion criteria for study participation included: 1) age between 18 and 65 years of age with no evidence of concomitant metabolic bone disease; and 2) a 3- or 4-part compression type fracture of the distal radius with residual displacement of the palmar lunate facet despite reduction of the dorsal cortex by the application of an external fixator. INTERVENTION: Fractures were treated with palmar plating of the depressed lunate facet combined with dorsal external fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Posttreatment evaluations consisted of measurements of range of motion, grip strength, radiographic evaluations, and completion of Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. RESULTS: Three months after surgery, 20 of 21 patients exhibited full range of motion at the MCP/PIP joints. At the 2-year follow-up, an average palmar tilt of +1.0 degrees, radial inclination of 24 degrees, radial length of 12 mm, ulnar variance of 0.5 mm, intra-articular gap of 0.1 mm, and intra-articular step-off of 0.3 mm was documented. Using the Garland and Werley rating system, results were rated as excellent or good for 18 wrists, fair for 2 wrists, and poor for 1 wrist. Mean Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand functional scores and athletic scores improved at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction and plating of the lunate facet in conjunction with standard external fixation permits: 1) visualization and reduction of the palmar lunate facet; and 2) reduction of palmar tilt to neutral tilt without significant radial shortening. This technique should be considered as an acceptable option in the treatment of high-energy fractures of the distal radius.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation for treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients over 60 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of patients aged 60 and older treated with open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws for displaced and comminuted fractures of the distal radius. DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical research. SETTING: Tertiary care center (Level 1 trauma center) located in a large urban area. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with an average age of 71 years (range 60-86) form the basis of this study. Patients were obtained from a surgical database of 2 hand surgeons in a tertiary care center. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the distal radius using metal plates and screws designed for treatment of these injuries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical (history and physical examination), plain radiographic, and functional assessments were performed at an average follow-up of 26 months (range 12-40 months). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Gartland and Werley and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scoring systems. RESULTS: Satisfactory reduction was achieved in all 18 fractures at the time of operative fixation with no instances of loss of fracture reduction during the study period. There were no cases of malunion, nonunion, or instances of device failure. We identified 4 minor complications. No patients required reoperation. Fifteen patients had an excellent (83%) and 3 had a good (17%) result according to the Gartland and Werley scoring system. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 4.4 (range 0-14) out of a maximum 100. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws in patients 60 years and older with displaced and comminuted fractures of the distal radius represents a safe and effective treatment alternative.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures.

Reduction of distal radius fractures is often difficult to maintain with plaster casting alone. Achieving this goal with an easily executed technique which carries a low morbidity is desirable, especially in multiply injured patients. Between July 1977 and September 1980, 24 high-energy fractures of the distal radius in 22 patients were treated by percutaneous pinning of the radial styloid fragment to the opposite radial cortex. Roentgenograms at the time of pinning and 8 weeks or more in followup demonstrating healing were available in 20 patients (22 fractures). Using a previously described method of roentgenographic grading, these cases were evaluated. At followup five fractures were felt to anatomically excellent, 16 good, and one poor. Five fractures in review were felt to be not ideally pinned and these represented three of the five fractures that lost a grade of evaluation rating during healing. One superficial pin tract infection developed and two patients complained of local pin discomfort. These complications resolved with pin removal. If guidelines for pinning are followed properly, percutaneous pinning provides a simple and useful method for maintaining reduction in unstable distal radius fractures in multiply injured patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal end of the radius treated with the Hoffmann external fixator.

In 1985 we began a prospective study of the use of external fixation in the treatment of intra-articular comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius. A total of 30 patients have been treated by this method, representing 1.3% of the total number of patients treated in the Emergency Unit for a fracture of the distal epiphysis of the radius. The use of external fixation in instable fractures of the distal end of the radius improves the anatomic results. These correlate closely with the overall functional results obtained, which were excellent or good in 82.1% of cases, according to the rating system of Gartland and Werley. The main indications are fractures with a high degree of comminution, displacement, and articular affectation (unstable fractures) in young patients, corresponding to Frykman grades VII and VIII.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Intrafocal (Kapandji) pinning of unstable distal radius fractures: a preliminary report.

Seventeen consecutive patients (17 wrists) who underwent intrafocal pinning of unstable distal radius fractures, as described by Kapandji, were retrospectively reviewed at a mean of 42 weeks after surgery (range, 13-88 weeks). The patients were immobilized for 6 weeks postoperatively. All patients were assessed by a single physician and were asked a set of questions regarding subjective and functional status. All patients underwent physical examination of their upper extremities, and bilateral wrist PA and lateral x-rays were taken. There were 13 females and four males; the average age was 49 years. Ten dominant and seven nondominant extremities were involved. Average volar tilt on follow-up lateral wrist radiography was 7 degrees. This compares with -20 degrees at initial presentation, -12 degrees preoperatively, 6 degrees immediately postoperatively, and 10 degrees in the normal wrists. Radial shortening (average) was -2 mm at initial presentation, -1mm preoperatively, 1 mm postoperatively, 0 mm at follow-up, and 1 mm in the normal wrists. Radial inclination was 17 degrees initially, 20 degrees preoperatively, 23 degrees immediately postoperatively, 23 degrees on follow-up, and 24 degrees in the normal wrists. There was a trend for patients with osteopenic bone to lose their postoperative reduction. However, this was not statistically significant. Patients older than 65 years of age had significantly inferior radiologic results. Loss of pronation and supination averaged 2 degrees (range 0-10 degrees) compared with the uninjured wrist. Loss of dorsiflexion averaged 6.5 degrees, and palmar flexion averaged 7.6 degrees. The patients' subjective complaints were minimal. Average pain on visual analog scale (VAS) was 0.44/10. Function measured 8.64/10 (VAS). Sixteen of the patients were happy with the surgery and the outcome of their wrists. Complications included extensor tendon rupture (one patient), pin migration requiring premature removal (one patient), and initial loss of reduction requiring reoperation (one patient). Intrafocal pinning of unstable distal radius fractures provides an effective means to stabilize these complex injuries. Early follow-up suggests that the patients have a satisfactory functional outcome. The complications in this series were preventable. Intrafocal pinning should be added to the surgical armamentarium in treating distal radius fractures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Long-term results of the external fixation of distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term results of external fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study (median follow-up, 5.3 years) of 49 patients with 50 distal radius fractures treated with an external fixator was carried out. An external fixator (Minifixator, Stratec Medical, Waldenburg, Switzerland) was used. The operative procedure is described in detail. A personal evaluation including clinical and radiologic assessment of both wrists was performed. RESULTS: The functional results, including the parameters strength, daily activities, range of motion, and presence of pain, as well as an anatomic score, the presence of osteoarthritis, the quality of reduction, and complications were recorded. Functional and anatomic results indicated excellent to good ratings in more than 80% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The external fixator is a versatile tool in the treatment of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. The rate of algodystrophy (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) was 6%, and wrist stiffness was not found in our series.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Pin reduction and fixation of volar fracture fragments of distal radius fractures via the flexor carpi radialis tendon.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate a technique for reduction and stabilization of residually displaced volar fragments in intraarticular distal radius fractures. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with AO type C3 distal radius fractures treated by one surgeon were studied. Percutaneously placed pins were placed through the flexor carpi radialis tendon to reduce and stabilize volar fracture fragments of distal radius fractures when closed reduction was unsuccessful. The goal of treatment was to achieve less than 2 mm of articular congruity. Postoperative physiotherapy was protocol-based. A validated outcome measurement was used to evaluate patients. RESULTS: Of 117 patients, 10 met the inclusion criteria. In all patients, a successful reduction of the volar fragment was achieved with less than 2 mm of residual articular step-off. Reduction was maintained in 8 patients. Follow-up averaged 29 months, and there were no complications associated with the technique. All patients were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Although the final outcome of patients with this type of fracture depends on many factors, in the small series of patients described, a satisfactory reduction was possible using the describe technique. Transtendinous pinning is a new, undescribed technique that is useful in the treatment of such specific injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of complex intra-articular fractures of the distal radius.

BACKGROUND: Complex intra-articular fractures of the distal radius pose a great challenge in orthopedic surgery. Conventional open reduction and internal fixation generally yields poor functional outcome. The technique of arthroscope-assisted surgery allows more accurate reduction of the articular surface and treatment of soft tissue lesions, both of which are necessary for regaining anatomic structure and satisfactory function. METHODS: Twenty wrists in 18 patients with intra-articular fracture of the distal radius received arthroscopic surgery and percutaneous pinning with or without external skeletal fixation and bone grafting. A new traction method was designed that allows arthroscopic surgery and fluoroscopic monitoring to be performed simultaneously. Postoperative follow-up averaged 24.7 months. RESULTS: All except one of these patients returned to work within 3 to 6 months after surgery. Later collapse with minimal articular step-off was noted on radiographs before osseous union in two patients who did not undergo bone grafting. Decreased radial height because of subsequent displacement at the metaphyseal fracture was noted in one patient who did not receive external skeletal fixation initially. CONCLUSION: The technique of arthroscope-assisted surgery, despite a steep learning curve, is an invaluable method. Results using this technique are promising and few complications are encountered in the treatment of complex radius platform fractures. The bone grafting procedure augments osseous union, shortens the duration of external skeletal fixation, and thus lessens joint stiffness.

Adult↗