Meta-analysis of the efficacy of volar plate internal fixation versus closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of adult distal radius fractures

Objective:To compare the efficacy of open reduction and volar locking plate internal fixation with closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures by using meta analysis.Methods:The databases of CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,Chinese biomedical literature,Pubmed,Embase,and Cochrane Library were retrieved,and the randomized controlled studies that directly compared the efficacy of plate internal fixation and closed reduction external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures published publicly from the establishment of the database to April 2023 were collected.The two researchers independently screened the retrieved literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,used Cochrane risk bias assessment tool for quality assessment,and used RevMan 5.4 software for meta analysis.Results:A total of 10 randomized controlled trials were included,all of which were in English.There were 1042 patients in total,and 9 of them were rated as low risk.Meta analysis results showed that one year after the treatment of distal radius fracture with volar locking plate internal fixation,DASH score[MD=-5.64,95%CI(-7.21,-4.06),P<0.00001];One year later,PRWE score[MD=-5.90,95%CI(-8.88,-2.92),P=0.001];Palm flexion[MD=5.92,95%CI(1.29,10.55),P=0.01];Pronation[MD=2.48,95%CI(0.59,4.36),P=0.01];Postrotation[MD=4.73,95%CI(2.15,7.31),P=0.0003];Grip strength[MD=0.61,95%CI(0.12,1.10),P=0.02];palmar tilt angle[MD=9.84,95%CI(5.66,14.02),P<0.00001];Radial inclination[MD=4.33,95%CI(2.97,5.69),P<0.00001]was superior to closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation.One year later,the European Five dimensional Health Scale(EQ-5D-5L)score[MD=0.02,95%CI(-0.01,0.05),P=0.27];Back extension[MD=2.22,95%CI(-4.15,8.59),P=0.49];Ulnar deviation[MD=3.49,95%CI(-0.80,7.78),P=0.11];Radial deviation[MD=2.05,95%CI(-2.39,6.50),P=0.37];Ulnar variance[MD=-1.14,95%CI(-3.16,0.88),P=0.27];There was no significant difference in complications[MD=0.77,95%CI(0.54,1.10),P=0.16](P>0.05).Conclusion:Based on the current clinical data,internal fixation with volar locking plate is more conducive to mid-term DASH score and grip strength recovery than closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation,but there is no significant difference in the quality of life and complications of patients.For adult distal radius fractures,surgical indications should be carefully grasped,and non operative treatment should be given priority.

Hemiarthroplasty for irreparable distal radius fractures in the elderly:A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND Elderly patients maintaining functional independence can now be candidates for primary wrist hemiarthroplasty to manage acute irreparable distal radius fractures(DRFs).However,further investigation with long-term follow-up is required to validate these initial findings.AIM To review the literature on the outcomes of distal radius hemiarthroplasty with available implants to assess its viability as a treatment option.METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic databases,including PubMed,Medline,and Scopus.The search terms employed were"distal radius fracture","hemiarthroplasty","wrist arthroplasty",and related terminology.The search was restricted to articles published in English from 1980 until June 2023.Inclusion criteria encompassed cases or case series of DRF treated with hemiarthroplasty,providing clinical or radiographic outcomes,and published in peer-reviewed journals.RESULTS A total of 2508 articles from PubMed and 883 from Scopus were identified initially.Following screening and removal of duplicates,13 articles met the inclusion criteria.These articles,predominantly clinical retrospective studies,provided insights into hemiarthroplasty outcomes,including functional improvements and complications.Hemiarthroplasty was a treatment option for complex DRF,particularly those cases with severe comminution,intraarticular involvement,or severe osteoporosis.Functional outcomes demonstrated improvements in pain relief,wrist mobility,and grip strength,with variability across studies.Complications included implant loosening,infection,nerve injury,and stiffness,with varying incidence rates influenced by surgical techniques and implant choice.Long-term outcomes were inadequately documented,warranting further research.CONCLUSION Hemiarthroplasty is a promising treatment for irreparable DRF in the elderly.Long-term outcomes and complications require further study.

Evaluation of Surgical Treatment of Distal Humeral Fractures in Adults

Introduction: Fractures of the distal end of the humerus are becoming increasingly frequent in young subjects because of the increase in road traffic accidents, and in elderly subjects because of osteoporosis related to aging populations. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, monocentric study from January 2018 to December 2020 involving 14 patients who received and were treated surgically for distal humeral fractures and followed up. Results: We collected 14 patients, including 11 men (78.57%) and 3 women (21.43%), with a sex ratio of 3.7. The mean age was 36.41 years. The circumstances of onset were dominated by road traffic accidents, with 12 cases (85.71%). The dominant side was right-handed, with 11 cases (78.57%). Standard elbow radiography revealed 8 cases of type A fractures (57.14%), 4 cases of type B and 2 cases of type C fractures of the AO. We performed Lecestre plate osteosynthesis in 12 patients and external fixator in 2 others, using the trans-olecranial and transtricipital approaches. Elbow stiffness was the most frequent complication, with 6 cases (42.86%). After six months’ follow-up, our results were excellent and good in 78.57% of cases (MEPS). Conclusion: Surgical treatment with posterior approaches enabled us to achieve restitution of the articular surfaces, solid restraint and early mobilization of the elbow with satisfactory functional results.

Anisotropy of Trabecular Bone from Ultra-Distal Radius Digital X-Ray Imaging: Effects on Bone Mineral Density and Age

Background: When applied to trabecular bone X-ray images, the anisotropic properties of trabeculae located at ultra-distal radius were investigated by using the trabecular bone scores (TBS) calculated along directions parallel and perpendicular to the forearm. Methodology: Data from more than two hundred subjects were studied retrospectively. A DXA (GE Lunar Prodigy) scan of the forearm was performed on each subject to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) value at the location of ultra-distal radius, and an X-ray digital image of the same forearm was taken on the same day. The values of trabecular bone score along the direction perpendicular to the forearm, TBSx, and along the direction parallel to the forearm, TBSy, were calculated respectively. The statistics of TBSx and TBSy were calculated, and the anisotropy of the trabecular bone, which was defined as the ratio of TBSy to TBSx and changed with subjects’ BMD and age, was reported and analyzed. Results: The results show that the correlation coefficient between TBSx and TBSy was 0.72 (p BMD and age was reported. The results showed that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with deceased BMD and increased age in the subject group. Conclusions: This study shows that decreased trabecular bone anisotropy was associated with decreased BMD and increased age.

Surgical Treatment of Recent Traumatic Epiphyseal Detachments of the Distal Femur in the Orthopedic and Traumatological Surgery Department of the CHU Bocar Sidy Sall de Kati: About 20 Cases

Introduction: To our knowledge, no scientific study has been conducted at the university hospital of Kati on recent traumatic epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal femur. However, every day, children present in consultation for knee trauma. Conjugal plate fractures are by definition single to children. Any break in any solution of continuity of this plate is called an epiphyseal fracture or detachment. Objectives: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of traumatic epiphyseal in detachments of the distal femur recent in children and adolescents. Patients and Method: This was a 13-month prospectively collected longitudinal descriptive study from September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017. We identified and reviewed 20 medical records of recent traumatic epiphyseal detachments of the distal femur. The parameters studied were sociodemographic, lesion, surgical technique and evolutionary. Results: During the study period, the most affected group age was 12 to 17 years (85%) with an average of 14.65 ± 1.61 years (6 and 20 years). The victims were male (95%). The most frequent etiology was road traffic accident (95%), with a mean time to care of 26.42 ± 10.21 hours and Type II was frequently encountered (85%) with 35% of immediate complications. Cross-bracketing was the most commonly used surgical technique (85%). The result was good (65%). Conclusion: This study allowed us to observe a significant hospital incidence of epiphyseal detachment fractures of the distal femur. Cross pinning was the most commonly used surgical technique with fewer complications (35%) and a satisfactory result in 90% of cases.

External fixation is more suitable for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius （IFDR） in patients older than 65 years. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after I week and 3, 6 and 12 months. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation （P = 0.001）, supination, （P = 0.047） and extension （P = 0.043） scores. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at I year. The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection （P = 0.043）, tendonitis, （P = 0.024） and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the ＂gross motor＂ category （walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards; P = 0.023）. Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period; after I year the outcomes were similar. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries.

Biomechanical Comparison of Prototype of a Novel Intramedullary Injectable Bioresorbable Polymer-Bioresorbable Balloon Osteosynthesis and a Volar Locking Plate for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Background: There is a large assortment of modalities for the surgical treatment/management of distal radius fractures (DRFs), where the most widely used is the fixed-angle volar plating (VLP) system, which, sometimes, is referred to as the “surgical modality of choice”. While outcomes with each modality are usually good to excellent, each has its share of shortcomings and complications. Thus, there is scope for improvements to existing modalities and/or introduction of new ones. Study Purpose: We introduce a novel modality, namely, the prototype of an intramedullary injectable bioresorbable polymer-bioresorbable balloon osteosynthesis (IPBO) system, and investigated its plausibility. Experimental Procedures: The biomechanical performance of a construct comprising a synthetic distal radius (fourth-generation Sawbones?) on which a simulated fracture was created (4-mm wide osteotomy positioned 25 mm from the most distal end of the radius) and fixated with a placement of the IPBO system (SIPBO Construct) was compared to that when the fixation was with an approved Ti-6Al-4V alloy VLP system (SVLP Construct), under a clinically-relevant compressive loading protocol. Performance involved determination of quantitative parameters of the construct (initial longitudinal stiffness (ICLS), final longitudinal stiffness (FCLS), and load-to-failure (Pf)) and observation and recording of features of the construct at the fracture point. We also determined the quantitative parameters for the intact synthetic distal radius (control). Results: For each of the quantitative parameters, the range of values for SIPBO Construct was within that for SVLP Construct, suggesting that the IPBO System is a plausible modality. Also, for SIPBO Construct, failure occurred within the polymer zone, whereas, for SVLP Construct, some failure features were fracture of the cortical wall and of the dorsal proximal fragments. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the IPBO system is plausible. As such, it merits further study;for example, determination of the influence of fracture gap fill ratio (defined as the proportion of the fracture gap that is filled by the expanding balloon as the polymer is injected into the balloon) on a large collection of quantitative biomechanical parameters.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction between Brachial Plexus Block (Axillary Approach) and General Anesthesia for Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Historical Cohort Study

Background: Distal radius fracture surgery is performed under general (GA) or regional anesthesia with brachial plexus block (NB). Whether anesthesia type affects patient outcomes is unclear. This study retrospectively compared patient satisfaction between GA and NB after surgery. Methods: This was a historical cohort study of 80 (34 GA and 46 NB) patients who underwent volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Propensity score analysis was used to generate a set of matched cases (NB) and controls (GA), yielding 14 matched patient-pairs. The simplified patient satisfaction scale was compared for primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were anesthesia and surgery duration, hospital stay length, adverse events, postoperative analgesic requirement, and wrist range of motion (ROM) 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Results: After propensity score matching, patients in almost all cases in both groups were “Satisfied” (effect size: 0.1, p = 0.572), indicating little significant difference. Significant differences in adverse events and postoperative analgesic use observed before matching disappeared after matching. Anesthesia duration and hospital stay length were significantly shorter in the NB group (effect size: -1.27 and -0.77, p = 0.00074 and p = 0.0388, respectively), as was surgery duration (effect size: -0.84, p = 0.0122) after matching. Similar to before matching, wrist ROM significantly improved in the NB group (effect size: 1.11, p = 0.0279) in the early postoperative period, but the difference disappeared at 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction between distal radius fracture surgery under GA and NB was similar. Nerve block could help shorten hospital stay length and surgery duration and improve postoperative functional recovery.

Reliability of the pronator quadratus fat pad sign to predict the severity of distal radius fractures

AIM To evaluate the reliability of pronator quadratus fat pad sign to detect distal radius fracture and to predict its severity.METHODS Retrospectively we identified 89 consecutive patients(41 female, mean age 49 ± 18 years) who had X-ray(CR) and computed tomography(CT) within 24 h following distal forearm trauma. Thickness of pronator quadratus fat pad complex(PQC) was measured using lateral views(CR) and sagittal reconstructions(CT). Pearson's test was used to determine the correlation of the PQC thickness in CR and CT. A positive pronator quadratus sign(PQS) was defined as a PQC > 8.0 mm(female) or > 9.0 mm(male). Frykman classification was utilized to assess the severity of fractures.RESULTS Forty-four/89 patients(49%) had a distal radius fracture(Frykman Ⅰ n = 3, Ⅱ n = 0, Ⅲ n = 10, Ⅳ n = 5, Ⅴ n = 2, Ⅵ n = 2, Ⅶ n = 9, Ⅷ n = 13). Mean thickness of the PQC thickness can reliably be measured on X-ray views and was 7.5 ± 2.8 mm in lateral views(CR), respectively 9.4 ± 3.0 mm in sagittal reconstructions(CT), resulting in a significant correlation coefficientof 0.795. A positive PQS at CR was present in 21/44 patients(48%) with distal radius fracture and in 2/45 patients(4%) without distal radius fracture, resulting in a specificity of 96% and a sensitivity of 48% for the detection of distal radius fractures. There was no correlation between thickness of the PQC and severity of distal radius fractures.CONCLUSION A positive PQS shows high specificity but low sensitivity for detection of distal radius fractures. The PQC thickness cannot predict the severity of distal radius fractures.

The Effect of Fracture of Ulnar Styloid on Rotational Movements of the Forearm after Extraarticular Fractures of Distal Radius

Introduction: Since distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in orthopedics and one of their common complications is restriction of rotational movements of the wrist and forearm, iden-tification of factors affecting this loss of motion is of importance. This study was conducted to evaluate the relation between extraarticular distal radius fractures associated with fracture of ulnar styloid and the rota-tional movements of the wrist and forearm. Patients and methods: 47 patients with an extraarticular distal radius fracture were enrolled in a prospective case control study. The patients were visited in regular follow up intervals after treatment and at the final follow up the rotational movements of the forearm were measured. The findings were analyzed with Independent T and Chi-square tests. Findings: Ultimately 23 patients of the group 1 (intact ulnar styloid) and 24 of the group 2 (fractured ulnar styloid) completed the follow up period. At this time supination of the wrist and forearm in group 2 was significantly less than the group 1 (p< 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that the association of an extraarticular distal radius fracture with the fracture of ulnar styloid, at least in short term causes restriction of supination of the forearm, though the mechanism and clinical significance of this finding cannot be easily explained.

Dynamic External Fixator Combined with Volar Locking Plate Fixation for the Treatment of AO Type C3 Distal Radius Fractures

Background: AO type C3 distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most difficult-to-treat fracture type because of a tendency to shorten and collapse. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of comminuted intra-articular DRFs treated with a dynamic external fixator combined with a volar locking plate (VLP). Methods: Eleven patients (mean age, 61 years) with comminuted intra-articular DRFs were treated with a dynamic type of external fixator combined with a VLP. Following reduction and fixation with a VLP, the dynamic external fixator was applied and the distal ball joint of the fixator was aligned with the lunate-capitate line. The ball joint was unlocked approximately 2 weeks after surgery to allow wrist mobilization. The fixator was removed 3 - 6 weeks (mean, 5 weeks) after surgery. Consequently, clinical and radiographic assessments were carried out at the final follow-up. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean range values of wrist extension and flexion were 76&deg;and 64&deg;, respectively. Compared with the contralateral side, the mean grip strength was 84%. The mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 88 and 9, respectively. No significant differences in the radiographic parameters exist between after surgery and final follow-up. Conclusions: This study indicated that the dynamic wrist fixator combined with a VLP is effective for the treatment of AO type C3 DRFs.

The impact of tilt changes due to distal radius fractures on wrist joint:a biomechanical study

To investigate the impact of tilt changes due to distal radius fractures on wrist joint.Methods Twelve upper extremity specimens were selected.Malunion for distal radius fracture was simulated by way of resecting 1.0 cm of the radius 3 cm proximal to the distal radial articular.Pressure receptor was applied to study the changes of pressure distribution and pressure load in the contacting area.Results With the distal articular surface angulating dorsally,the contacting point of navicular and lunate moved dorsally and the contacting area and pressure changed with it.As the angular reached more than 10 degrees,the contacting area and pressure to navicular decreased significantly while that of lunare increased significantly (P<0.01).Conclusion Contacting area and pressure to the navicular and lunare show significant changes when the radiocarpal joint angular reached more than 10 degrees and it leads to significant influence on the wrist joint.6 refs,2 figs,2 tabs.

Primary total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures of the distal humerus

AIM:To evaluate short-to medium term outcome of total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)in complex fractures of the distal humerus.METHODS:A consecutive series of 24 complex distal humerus fractures operated with TEA in the period2006-2012 was evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance score(MEPS),plain radiographs,complications and overall satisfaction.The indications for surgery were 1:AO type B3 or C3 or Sheffield type 3 fracture and age above 65 or 2:fracture and severe rheumatoid arthritis.Mean follow-up time was 21 mo.RESULTS:Twenty patients were followed up.Four patients,of which 3 had died,were lost to follow up.According to the AO classification there were 17 C3,1B2 and 2 A2 fractures.Mean follow-up was 21 months(range 4-54).Mean MEPS was 94(range 65-100).Mean flexion was 114 degrees(range 80-140).According to MEPS there were 15 excellent,4 good and 1 fair result.Patient satisfaction:8 excellent,10 good,2 fair and 1poor.There were two revisions due to infection treated successfully with revision and three months of antibiotics.In two patients the locking split had loosened.One was referred to re-insertion and one chose yearly con-trols.Two patients had persistent dysaesthesia of their5th finger,but were able to discriminate between sharp and blunt.CONCLUSION:Our study suggests that TEA in complex fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients can result in acceptable short-to medium term outcome.

Managing extremely distal periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures of total knee replacements-a new PHILOS-ophy

We report two cases where a proximal humeral locking plate was used for the fixation of an extremely distal, type Ⅲ peri-prosthetic femoral fractures in relation to a total knee replacement(TKR). In each case there was concern regarding the fixation that could be achieved using the available anatomic distal femoral plates due to the size and bone quality of distal fragment. The design of the Proximal Humeral Internal Locking System(PHILOS) allows nine 3.5-mm locking screws to be placed over a small area in multiple directions. This allowed a greater number of fixation points to be achieved in the distal fragment. Clinical and radiological short-term follow-up(6-12 mo) has been satisfactory in both cases with no complications. We suggest the use of this implant for extremely distal femoral fractures arising in relation to the femoral component of a TKR.

Influence of volar margin of the lunate fossa fragment fixation on distal radius fracture outcomes:A retrospective series

BACKGROUND Distal radius fractures accompanied by the volar margin of the lunate fossa(VMLF)lesions are often overlooked or inadequately reduced in clinical practice.AIM To investigate the impact of VMLF fragment in distal radius fractures on the stability and function of the wrist joint.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients with distal radius fractures who underwent surgical treatment between January 2013 and December 2017.The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the VMLF fragments were fixed or not.X-rays and computed tomography were performed before surgery,immediately postoperatively,and at 1,3,and 6 mo to measure the scapholunate angle,radiolunate angle,capitolunate angle,and effective radiolunate flexion(ERLF).The Mayo wrist score and disabilities of the arm,shoulder,and hand(DASH)score were determined at 1 year.RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included.There were 15 males and 20 females.Their mean age was 52.5±14.3(range:19-70)years.There were 38 wrists(17 on the left side,15 on the right,and three bilateral;16 in the fixed group,and 22 in the unfixed group).The interval between trauma and surgery was from 1 h to 1 mo.The incidence of postoperative wrist instability in the unfixed group(86.4%)was higher than in the fixed group(25.0%)(P≤0.001).Ten patients had ERLF>25°in the unfixed group and none in the fixed group(P=0.019).The Mayo wrist score was 94±5.7 in the fixed group and 68±15.1 in the unfixed group(P<0.001).The DASH score was 4.6±2.5 in the fixed group and 28.5±19.5 in the unfixed group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Injuries of VMLF,even small fractures,might damage the radial-lunar ligament,leading to postoperative wrist instability,sagittal force line imbalance,and poor recovery of wrist joint function.

Hybrid External Fixation for Open Severe Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Femur

Background: The treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures is a major problem for orthopedic surgeon. The basic and important aim in treatment of these fractures is to assemble the condylar fragments and then fix the condyles to the femoral shaft by minimum handling of the bone and soft tissues. Objectives: To evaluate the treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) with hybrid external fixator. Methods: Thirty-four patients with distal femur open comminuted fracture (type C2 and C3) were treated by hybrid external fixator between January 2005 and December 2008. All of the fractures were opened with extension to joint surface. 30 patients were male and 4 were female. Their average age was 30.5 years (17 to 72 years). Average follow up period was 36 months. 12 patients had isolated fracture and 22 patients had multiple fractures. The bony and functional results were evaluated by the association for the study and application of the method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) protocol and knee society score. Results: 29 out of 34 fractures (85%) had union without bone grafts. Average time of union was 6.1 months (4 - 19 ms). The average knee range of motion was 87.5 degrees (30 - 115 degrees). The bony results were excellent in 24 patients (70.5%), good in 6 (17.7%), fair in 2 (5.9%), and poor in 2 (5.9%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%) according to ASAMI protocol. According to the knee society score the functional results were excellent in 9 (26.44%) patients, good in 13 (38.26%), fair in 7 (20.6%), and poor in 5 (14.7%). Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator is an effective method for treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) and may be considered as an alternative surgical methods in the management of these fractures.

Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor of the Distal End Radius: A Case Report and Surgical Treatment with Wide Resection and Reconstruction with Non-Vascularised Autologous Proximal Fibular Graft

Giant cell tumour of the distal radius is the 3rd most common site after proximal tibia and distal femur. It is locally aggressive and is associated with a high rate of recurrence. Although it is usually treated with various modalities of treatment, wide resection and reconstruction with proximal fibular autograft is most commonly accepted in recurrent cases. The following is a case report of such a case with surgical management.

Current situation and consideration of small splint in the treatment of distal radius fracture complicated with ulnar styloid process fracture

Objective:The incidence of distal radius fracture combined with ulnar styloid process fracture is increasing,which seriously affects the quality of life of patients.Small splint therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a reliable method for the treatment of such fractures.It not only has good clinical efficacy,but also has fewer complications and high safety.However,the traditional small splint fixation does not cover the styloid process of the ulna,and the fracture of the styloid process of the ulna is closely related to the stability of the wrist joint,which has an important impact on the prognosis of the fracture.Based on this,we believe that the ulnar elongation splint can better improve the wrist function,and further prospects for related issues,in order to guide clinical practice.

Finite Element Analysis Study of Prototype of a Novel Intramedullary Injectable Bioresorbable Polymer Fixator versus a Volar Plate for Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Complications and shortcomings of volar plating, which is very widely used for surgical treatment of distal radius fractures, are well known. Thus, there is scope for alternative innovative surgical methods. In the present work, we used the finite element analysis method to compare the biomechanical performance of a model of a construct comprising a simulated distal radius fracture considered fixated using a notional intramedullary injectable bioresorbable polymer-bioresorbable balloon osteosynthesis system (“fixator”) versus using a commercially-available volar locking plate (VP). The biomechanical parameters determined were longitudinal stiffness and factor of safety under each of the applied loads.?For the fixator model, 1) each of the biomechanical parameters was markedly influenced by fracture gap fill ratio (FGFR) (defined as the proportion of the volume of the fracture gap that is considered occupied by the expanded polymer-filled balloon)?but not by modulus of elasticity assigned to the polymer;2) with FGFR = 100%, stiffness was comparable to that of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy VP construct model;and 3) stiffness was within the range of literature values for stiffness of constructs comprising simulated fractures in fresh cadaveric distal radii fixated using metal volar locking plate. These results suggest that the fixator may be an alternative modality to metal volar plating and, as such, deserves further evaluation.

The use of phalangeal plate as“hook plate”and external fixation to treat complex distal radius fracture fragments

Distal radius fracture is the most common fracture site of the human skeleton[1]and often occurs in young people resulting from high energy injury caused by severe trauma.However,complex distal radial intra-articular fractures(AO type C3)are relatively rare and account for about 5%of all distal radius fractures.[2]Fracture comminution at the joint surface is the primary manifestation of these fractures,followed by avulsion of the bone fragments with displacement seen at both the metacarpal and ulnar bone.Treatment of these displaced and unstable fractures remains a challenge.The nature of the articular surface fracture indicates the use of either the open or close reduction technique.Treatment protocols focus on extra-articular reduction and restoration of radial length,maintaining the volar tilt.[3,4]It has been noted that incongruity of the intra-articular distal radius fracture is relevant to the development of arthritis.[5,6]