Distal radius volar rim plate: Technical and radiographic considerations

AIM To determine technical considerations and radiographic outcomes of the Synthes volar rim distal radius plate to treat complex intra-articular fractures. METHODS This review highlights technical considerations learnt using this implant since it was introduced in a major trauma unit in November 2011, including anatomical reduction and whether this was maintained radiographically. RESULTS Twenty-six of the 382 internally fixed distal radial fractures at our unit(6.8%) were deemed to require this plate in order to achieve optimal fracture fixation between November 2011 and May 2014. A further dorsal and/or radial plate was necessary in 35% and variable angle screws were used in 54% of cases. Postoperatively, mean radial height, inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance restored were 11.7 mm, 21o, 4.3o and-1.2 mm respectively. There were no cases of non-union or flexor/extensor tendon rupture; one case of loss of fracture reduction. Overall incidence of plate removal was 15% with one plate removed for flexor and one for extensor tendon irritation CONCLUSION The use of a rim plate enables control of challenging fardistal fracture patterns. However, additional plates were required to improve and maintain reduction. Variable angle screws were necessary in half the cases to avoid intra-articular screw penetration. If used judiciously, this implant can achieve stable fixation despite the complexity of the fracture pattern.

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.

尺骨远端掌侧成角与腕尺侧疼痛的相关性研究

目的探讨尺骨远端掌侧成角与腕尺侧疼痛的相关性。方法回顾性分析2016年1月至2017年1月因腕尺侧疼痛就诊于联勤保障部队第九八〇医院的患者64例(观察组),选择同期无腕尺侧疼痛症状志愿者64例作为对照组。2组均拍摄双侧腕关节正侧位X线片,通过测量尺骨远端掌侧成角,研究尺骨远端掌侧成角与腕尺侧疼痛的关系。结果观察组双腕尺骨远端掌侧成角差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组与对照组尺骨远端掌侧成角差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);亚组分析显示,观察组尺骨远端掌侧成角170~175°范围的概率为48.44%,对照组为9.38%,2组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论尺骨远端掌侧成角可能是腕尺侧疼痛的危险因素之一,且角度越小越容易出现腕尺侧疼痛。

Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: A prospective randomised controlled trial

AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.

Screw placement is everything: Risk factors for loss of reduction with volar locking distal radius plates

AIM To determine factors correlated with postoperative radial shortening in patients with distal radius fractures treated with volar locking distal radius plates.METHODS A total of 250 patients with a distal radius fracture stabilised with volar locking plates between January 2010 and December 2014 were included in a multicentre retrospective cohort study. We measured the distance of the distal locking screws to the joint line immediately postoperatively and then measured radial shortening after six to eight weeks using the change in ulnar variance.RESULTS Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that there was a significant linear association between the distance of the screws from the joint line and radial shortening. No other patient, injury, or treatment-related characteristic significantly influenced radial shortening in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Distal locking screws should be placed as close as possible to the subchondral joint line to prevent postoperative loss of reduction.

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.

Difference in cortical activation during use of volar and dorsal hand splints:a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

There have been no studies reported on the difference in cortical activation during use of volar and dorsal hand splints.We attempted to investigate the difference in cortical activation in the somatosensory cortical area during use of volar and dorsal hand splints by functional magnetic resonance imaging（f MRI）.We recruited eight healthy volunteers.f MRI was performed while subjects who were fitted with volar or dorsal hand splints performed grasp-release movements.Regions of interest were placed on the primary motor cortex（M1）,primary somatosensory cortex（S1）,posterior parietal cortex（PPC）,and secondary somatosensory cortex（S2）.Results of group analysis of f MRI data showed that the total numbers of activated voxels in all ROIs were significantly higher during use of volar hand splint（3,376） compared with that（1,416） during use of dorsal hand splint.In each ROI,use of volar hand splint induced greater activation in all ROIs（M1：1,748,S1 ：1,455,PPC：23,and S2：150） compared with use of dorsal hand splint（M1：783,S1：625,PPC：0,and S2：8）.The peak activated value was also higher during use of volar hand splint（t-value：17.29） compared with that during use of dorsal hand splint（t-value：13.11）.Taken together,use of volar hand splint induced greater cortical activation relevant to somatosensory function than use of dorsal hand splint.This result would be important for the physiatrist and therapist to apply appropriate somatosensory input in patients with brain injury.

Comparison of the single-injection volar subcutaneous block and the two-injection dorsal block for digital anesthesia

Objectives: Local digital nerve blockade is frequently used in many trauma cases. Two commonly used techniques of digital nerve block with local anesthetic are the two-injection dorsal technique and the single-injection volar subcutaneous technique. In this study we compare various parameters of the single-injection volar subcutaneous block and the two-injection dorsal block. Pain score, amount of injected anesthetic, time of effect onset, patients’ and physicians’ satisfaction scores in each injection technique was compared. Methods: 128 participating patients were randomly divided into two equal experimental groups. Two-percentage Lidocaine was used as an anesthetic agent. Doses of 1.8 and 3-4 ml were used in the single-injection subcutaneous block and the two-injection dorsal block groups, respectively. Following injections, the patients were asked to score their discomfort experience on a standard visual analog scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (most pain imaginable). They also were asked to score the rate of their satisfaction from 1(no satisfaction) to 5 (most satisfaction). The onset of effect was determined using the pinprick test. Results: Our results demonstrate that the two-injection dorsal block technique imposes more pain but the pain score difference was not statistically significant. Both patients and physicians were more comfortable with the single-injection subcutaneous digital block method. This satisfaction difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: The single-injection method is more efficient and the patients were more pleased. The advantages of this method are its safety, user friendly, need of lower amount of anesthetic drug and its easiness to teach and learn.

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.

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.

桡骨远端骨折内固定后背侧关节内骨块移位的列线图模型

目的探究桡骨远端骨折(DRF)内固定后出现背侧关节内骨块移位的影响因素及列线图模型的构建。方法选取我院老年骨科收治的225例DRF患者为研究对象,随机分为训练集(158例)和验证集(67例),训练集根据患者术后1年内背侧关节内骨块的移动距离分为移位组(41例)和未移位组(117例)。采用单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析术后背侧关节内骨块移位的影响因素;构建列线图预测模型,以受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线及校准曲线评价模型效能。结果移位组骨折AO分型构成比、骨质疏松患者比例、受伤至手术时间、术后3个月和12个月VAS评分及DASH评分高/长于未移位组,而术后使用外固定患者比例、术后3个月握力低于未移位组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,骨折AO分型为C3型、合并骨质疏松、术后12个月VAS评分≥2分、术后3个月DASH评分≥18分是独立危险因素。训练集和验证集的列线图模型ROC的曲线下面积分别为0.885(95%CI:0.786~0.915,P<0.01)和0.851(95%CI:0.641~0.903,P<0.01),校准曲线Hosmer-Lemeshow检验结果差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论骨折AO分型为C3型、合并骨质疏松、术后12个月VAS评分≥2分、术后3个月DASH评分≥18分是导致DRF患者内固定后背侧关节内骨块移位的危险因素,以此构建的列线图区分度较好,准确性较高。

Corrective osteotomies of the radius:Grafting or not?

AIM:To review the current literature regarding corrective osteotomies to provide the best evidence of the rule of bone grafting.METHODS:Our MEDLINE literature search included 280 studies using the following key words "Malunited distal radius fracture" and 150 studies using key words "Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius".Inclusion criteria were:Malunited distal radial,extra articular fracture,volar locking plate,use of iliac bone graft(cancellous or corticocancellous),non-use of bone graft.Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria.RESULTS:Seven of the 12 studies considered,described the use of a graft;the remaining five studies didn't use any graft.Type of malunion was dorsal in most of the studies.The healing time was comparable using the graft or not(mean 12.5 wk),ranging from 7.5 to 16 wk.The mean disabilities of the arm,shoulder and hand score improvement was 23 points both in the studies that used the graft and in those not using the graft.CONCLUSION:This review demonstrated that corrective osteotomy of extra-articular malunited fractures of the distal radius treated by volar locking plate does not necessarily require bone graft.

Ligamentotaxis versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Distal Radius Intra-Articular Fractures

Objectives: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different methods for the treatment of distal radial intra-articular fractures. Patients and Methods: Forty-six patients with distal radius intra-arti-cular fractures were divided into two groups. Group I included 24 patients with type C fracture treated by external fixator augmented by percutaneous K-wires. Group II included 22 patients with type C fracture treated by volar locked distal radial plate augmented by K-wires. Two patients had complex injuries necessitating double plating (sandwich). All patients were evaluated clinically by Mayo Wrist Score and radiologically by Sarmiento’s radiological score. Results: Both groups reported good personal satisfaction according to Mayo Wrist Score, and the results were not statistically different between the two groups. In Group I, 19 patients (79.2%) had excellent radiological outcome and five patients (20.9%) had good radiological outcome according to Sarmiento’s radiological score. In Group II, 20 patients (90.9%) had excellent outcome, and two (9.1%) had good radiological outcome;there was no or insignificant deformity. Conclusions: Complex distal radial fractures can be treated either by external fixation (ligamentotaxis) or by locked pre-contoured plating. The clinical outcome of plating and external fixator in our study did not show any statistically significant difference. The radiological outcome had no correlation with the clinical outcome.

部队训练伤相关腕尺侧疼痛的解剖学病因分析

目的探讨部队训练伤相关腕尺侧疼痛的解剖学病因。方法回顾性分析2016年1—12月驻石部队训练伤相关腕尺侧疼痛病例(观察组)64例,选择同期参加训练的健康士兵(对照组)64例,通过腕关节正侧位X线片测量腕关节尺骨变异、尺骨远端掌侧成角和豆尺距离,分析尺骨变异、尺骨远端掌侧成角和豆尺距离与腕尺侧疼痛的相关性,明确与腕尺侧疼痛相关的解剖学危险因素和保护因素。结果观察组豆尺距离小于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。豆尺距离与腕尺侧疼痛存在负相关关系(P<0.05)。结论豆尺距离是训练伤相关腕尺侧疼痛的解剖学保护因素。尺骨变异和尺骨远端掌侧成角与腕尺侧疼痛无统计学相关性,但不能忽视其潜在致病作用。

A comparative study of variable angle volar plate and bridging external fixator with K-wire augmentation in comminuted distal radius fractures

Purpose:Comminuted intraarticular distal radial fractures are difficult to treat conservatively and require operative treatment.This study compared the functional outcomes between variable angle volar plating and external fixator with K-wire augmentation in open reduction and internal fixation.Methods:A total of 62 adult patients with comminuted intraarticular distal radius fracture were randomized into 2 groups:volar plate group and external fixator group.These patients aged between 18 and 60 years had unilateral fractures,and agreed to be included in the study.Patients with a history of fracture,bilateral fracture,associated other injuries,delayed injury for more than 2 weeks,open fracture,pre-existing arthrosis or disability,psychiatric illness and pathological fracture were excluded.Patients were followed up at 6 weeks,3 months,6 months and 1 year.The assessment of pain,functional activity,range of motion and grip strength was done at each stage of follow-up.The pain and functional activities were assessed by patient rated wrist evaluation(PRWE)score and disabilities of the arm,shoulder and hand(DASH)score.Results:Patients in volar plate group had superior PRWE score and DASH score at each stage of followup.At 1 year follow-up,the mean PRWE score were 7.48 for volar plate group and 7.35 for external fixator group;while the mean DASH score was 4.65 for volar plate group and 5.61 for external fixator group.They had better flexion and extension range of movement.They also had better pronation and supination range of motion at initial follow-up,however the difference get attenuated by 1 year.Volar plate group had significantly better grip strength than external fixator group.Complication rates were higher in external fixation group.Conclusion:Fixation with variable angle volar plate results in early wrist mobilization,better range of movement,less pain and disability and early return of function.

Do we really need to repair the pronator quadratus after distal radius plating?

Purpose:Fractures of distal radius are one of the common orthopaedic injuries.Placing the plate on volar surface requires release of underlying pronator quadratus(PQ)muscle.No consensus is present in the literature about the repair or not of the PQ.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of PQ repair on functional outcome and complications.Methods:Retrospectively 83 patients of distal radius fractures managed with volar plating between 2014 and 2016 were evaluated.Demographic data,operative notes and physical therapy records were retrieved.Patients were divided into group A where PQ repair was done and group B where no repair was done.Functional data such as range of motion(ROM),grip strength,visual analogue scale(VAS)score and disabilities of arm,shoulder and hand(DASH)score at 4 weeks,3 months,6 months and finial follow-up were retrieved.Results:Totally 63 patients(n=29 in group A and n=34 in group B)with the mean age of 51.64 years were examined.Patients were followed up for a mean of 35.2 months(range 27.2-47.1 months)in group A and 38.6 months(range 28.6-51.0 months)in group B.Though functional outcome of the affected limb was not significantly different between two groups after 3 months,PQ repair did affect the recovery at an early stage.Repair group had significantly better ROM(p=0.0383)and VAS score at 4 weeks(p=0.017)while grip strength(p=0.014)was significantly better at 3 months.Conclusions:Repair of PQ may provide pain relief and increased ROM in early postoperative period and hence every attempt should be made to achieve the repair.

Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface: An outcome study

Purpose:Plate fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of displaced forearm shaft fractures in adults. Conventionally radial shaft fractures will be plated either on the volar surface or on the dorsal surface depending on which approach has been chosen. The lateral surface of the radius provides an even and uniformly curved area for placing a plate. It has the advantage of restoring and easy assessing the radial bow after surgery. We designed a prospective study to observe the outcome of lateral plating of radius shaft fractures.Methods:Nineteen patients were included in this study performed in Government Medical College, Jammu, India. Among them, 13 had fractures of both the forearm bones and 6 had isolated radial shaft fracture. Three patients had Galeazzi fracture dislocation. Fixation was done within 36 h of injury in all using 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate applied to the lateral surface of the radius. Ulna was fixed in routine manner.Results:Union was achieved in 18 out of 19 patients, after a mean time of 17.44 weeks. According to Anderson et al.'s criteria, 12 patients had excellent results, 5 had satisfactory and 1 had unsatisfactory result. There was one failure (nonunion).Conclusion:The outcomes including rate of union were comparable to those in the existing literature. Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface is a viable alternative to volar or dorsal plating of the radius. Larger studies with randomized data are needed to assess whether it has any superiority over other existing techniques.