Objective To discuss the relationship between recovery of anatomical integrity and functional outcome in elderly patients with distal radius fractures by comparing the effects of open reduction and closed reduction. Methods The cl inical data were retrospectively analyzed from 78 elderly patients with distal radius fractures treating with nonoperation andoperation from February 2005 to March 2009. Thirty-seven patients underwent closed reduction and spl intlet fixation or cast appl ication (non-operation group), and forty-one patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (operation group). In non-operation group, there were 15 males and 22 females with an average age of 73 years (60-83 years). According to the AO classification system for fracture, there were 8 cases of type A2, 7 cases of type A3, 7 cases of type B1, 4 cases of type B2, 2 cases of type B3, 4 cases of type C1, 2 cases of type C2, and 3 cases of type C3. The time from injury to admission was between 30 minutes and 3 days with a mean time of 1 day. In operation group, there were 18 males and 23 females with an average age of 71 years (62-80 years). According to the AO classification system for fracture, there were 5 cases of type A2, 7 cases of type A3, 7 cases of type B1, 6 cases of type B2, 3 cases of type B3, 4 cases of type C1, 5 cases of type C2, and 4 cases of type C3. The time from injury to admission was between 30 minutes and 7 days with a mean time of 1 day. There were no significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in sex, age, disease course and fracture classification between two groups. Results All incisions obtained heal ing by first intention after operation in operation group. All patients were followed up for 9-36 months (20 months on average). Fracture heal ing was achieved within 8 to 15 weeks, with an average of 11 weeks. There were no significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in fracture heal ing time between non-operation group [(10.8 ± 2.0) weeks] and operation group [(11.7 ± 2.5) weeks]. At last follow-up, thepalmar tilt angle was (5.6 ± 2.0)° and (8.6 ± 3.0)°, the radial incl ination angle was (19.1 ± 4.9)° and (21.8 ± 2.0)°, and the radial length was (8.3 ± 1.3) mm and (10.4 ± 1.4) mm in non-operation group and operation group, respectively; showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05) between two groups. According to the Gartland-Werley score, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 2 cases in non-operation group, the excellent and good rate was 81.1%; in operation group, the results were excellent in 13 cases, good in 25 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 92.7%, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) between two groups. There were no significant differences (P gt; 0.05) in flexion and extension activity of wrist, radioulnar partial activity, pronation-supination activity, grip and pinch strength between two groups. Conclusion Open reduction and closed reduction can achieve satisfactory functional outcomes, but closed reduction was inferior to open reduction in anatomic reduction for treating distal radius fractures in elderly patients.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of external fixation and volar locking compression plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures of type C. MethodsBetween March 2012 and March 2013, 122 patients with distal radius fractures of type C were enrolled in the prospective randomized study. Fractures were treated by external fixation in 61 patients (external fixation group) and by open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking compression plate in 61 patients (plate group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, fracture side, weight, height, body mass index, fracture type, and interval of injury and operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The blood loss, operation time, hospitalization days, fracture union time, wrist function, and complications were compared between 2 groups. And the quality of reduction was observed, including volar tilting angle, ulnar deviation, radial height, and articular reduction. ResultsThe blood loss, operation time, and hospitalization days in plate group were significantly higher than those in external fixation group (P<0.05). All of the patients in both groups were followed up 12-28 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (6.6%) of external fixation group (pin tract infection in 2 cases and radial nerve neuritis in 2 cases) and in 5 patients (8.2%) of plate group (wound infection in 1 case, carpal tunnel syndrome in 2 cases, and tendon rupture in 2 cases), showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.500). The X-ray films showed fracture healing in all patients of 2 groups; the union time of plate group was significantly longer than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in ulnar deviation and radial height between 2 groups (P>0.05), but the volar tilting angle of plate group was significantly larger than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in wrist function and articular reduction between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor distal radius fractures of type C, the use of external fixation or volar locking compression plate can obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes, but the external fixation has the advantages of less invasion, shorter hospitalization days, minor complications, and faster fracture union.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of LARS ligament and three-dimensional (3D) printed prosthesis on the combined reconstruction of radial hemicarpal joint after distal radius tumor resection. Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with combined reconstruction of radial hemicarpal joint with LARS ligament and 3D printed prosthesis after distal radius tumor resection between September 2017 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 5 females with an average age of 41.8 years (range, 19-63 years). There were 8 cases on the left side and 4 cases on the right side, and 10 cases of giant cell tumor of bone and 2 cases of osteosarcoma. The disease duration ranged from 1 to 20 months, with an average of 8.1 months. The osteotomy length, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded, and the wrist function was evaluated by Mayo wrist score and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score before and after operation. The grip strength of the affected limb was expressed by the percentage of grip strength of the healthy upper limb, and the range of motion (ROM) of the wrist joint was measured, including extension, flexion, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation; the bone ingrowth and osseointegration at the bone-prosthesis interface of the wrist joint were observed by radiographic follow-up; the possible wrist complications were recorded. ResultsAll 12 patients successfully completed the operation. The osteotomy length was 5.0-10.5 cm (mean, 6.8 cm), and the operation time was 180-250 minutes (mean, 213.8 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 30-150 mL (mean, 61.7 mL). All patients were followed up 11-52 months (mean, 30.8 months). Radiographic follow-up showed that bone ingrowth and osseointegration at the bone-prosthesis interface were observed in all patients, and biological fixation was gradually achieved. During the follow-up, the stability, motor function, and ROM of the wrist joint were good. There was no complication such as arthritis, subluxation, prosthesis loosening, and infection, and no tumor recurrence and metastasis. At last follow-up, the Mayo score was 82.1±5.4, and MSTS score was 27.5±1.5, which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (48.8±13.5, 16.4±1.4; t=−10.761, P<0.001; t=−26.600, P<0.001). The grip strength of the affected side was 59%-88% of that of the healthy side, with an average of 70.5%. The ROM of wrist joint were 55°-80° (mean, 65.42°) in extension, 35°-60° (mean, 44.58°) in flexion, 10°-25° (mean, 17.92°) in radial deviation, 10°-25° (mean, 18.33°) in ulnar deviation. Conclusion The combined application of LARS ligament and 3D printed prosthesis is an effective way to reconstruct bone and joint defects after distal radius tumor resection. It can improve the function of wrist joint, reduce the incidence of complications, and improve the stability of wrist joint.
Objective To investigate the surgical technique and effectiveness of tension band-assisted plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 12 patients with volar marginal fractures of the distal radius treated by Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator between October 2018 and July 2023. The cohort included 9 males and 3 females, aged from 20 to 52 years (mean, 35.5 years). The injury causes included traffic accidents in 6 cases, falls from height in 3 cases, and fall in 3 cases. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA), there were 1 case of type B2, 4 cases of type B3, 2 cases of type C1, 3 cases of type C2, and 2 cases of type C3. According to Fernandez classification, there were 2 cases of type Ⅲ, 5 cases of type Ⅳ, and 5 cases of type Ⅴ. Associated injuries included radiocarpal joint dislocation or subluxation in 7 cases and median nerve injury in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Postoperatively, functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Grip strength was measured as the ratio to the unaffected side, and wrist range of motion (ROM) including dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation was assessed. Results All procedures were successfully completed, with an operation time of 55-110 minutes (mean, 65 minutes). All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 13.7 months). Surgical incisions healed by first intention, without complications such as vascular-nerve injury or infection. Bony union and articular congruency were attained in all patients, with a healing time of 3-5 months (mean, 3.8 months). During follow-up, 1 case of Kirschner wire migration occurred with no instances of infections, radiocarpal dislocations, internal fixation failures, or extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures. At last follow-up, the modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 65 to 92 (mean, 80.8), the DASH score ranged from 7 to 15 (mean, 11.6), the grip strength was 65%-90% (mean, 78.2%) of the unaffected side; and wrist ROM was palmar flexion 60°-85° (mean, 77.4°), dorsiflexion 55°-80° (mean, 74.8°), radial deviation 10°-25° (mean, 18.8°), and ulnar deviation 15°-30° (mean, 24.5°). Conclusion Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius is a simple method with reliable fixation, which can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of wrist arthroscopy assisted treatment of distal radius fractures.MethodsTo summarize and describe the anatomical characteristics and fracture classification of the distal radius, indications and contraindications of wrist arthroscopy-assisted treatment, surgical methods, and associated soft tissue injuries, and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the operation through a large number of literature at home and abroad on the treatment of distal radius fractures assisted by wrist arthroscopy.ResultsWrist arthroscopy as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of distal radius fractures, compared with traditional surgery, can accurately observe intra-articular damage and perform operations under the microscope to avoid secondary damage to blood vessels, nerve, and tendon, etc., and can achieve one-stage repair and reconstruction by repairing the ligament, trigonal fibrocartilage complex, and carpal dislocation. It has the advantages of less trauma, fast postoperative recovery, extensive indications, fewer complications, and satisfactory effectiveness.ConclusionWrist arthroscopy has advantages that traditional X-ray film, CT, MRI, and arthrography examinations do not have. Moreover, wrist arthroscopy has achieved satisfactory effectiveness in the adjuvant treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures.
Objective To investigate the surgical technique and preliminary effectiveness of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) using antegrade elastic intramedullary nailing (ESIN) via a novel approach through the proximal radius for treating distal radius metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DRMDJ) fractures in children. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 34 children with DRMDJ fractures who met the selection criteria and were treated between January 2020 and June 2023. There were 21 boys and 13 girls, aged 6-14 years (mean, 8.2 years). Injury causes included falls in 11 cases and sports-related trauma in 23 cases. Twenty-six cases were associated with ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures. All patients had failed initial closed reduction in the outpatient clinic. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 15 days (mean, 4 days). All patients underwent CRIF using antegrade ESIN inserted via a novel approach at the proximal one-third of the radius. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. Fracture reduction was assessed immediately after operation on anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films for residual translation and angulation. Wrist function was evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score. ResultsSurgery was successfully completed in all 34 children. CRIF with ESIN failed in 2 cases with associated ipsilateral distal ulnar fractures, requiring conversion to open reduction of the ulna. Operation time ranged from 15 to 56 minutes (mean, 21 minutes). Intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency ranged from 5 to 21 times (mean, 7 times). Immediate postoperative X-ray films showed residual translation of 0-15% on anteroposterior view and 0-10% on lateral view, and residual angulation of 0°-5° on both anteroposterior and lateral views. All children were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 12 months). There was no complication such as neurovascular injury, incision infection, or limitation of forearm rotation. Follow-up X-ray films showed no fracture displacement, implant loosening, delayed union, or nonunion. Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 8 weeks (mean, 6 weeks). Implants were removed at 4-6 months postoperatively (mean, 5 months). At last follow-up, all fractures had achieved anatomic or near-anatomic healing. The modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 80 to 100 (mean, 94), with 27 excellent and 7 good results, yielding an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion CRIF using antegrade ESIN via a novel approach through proximal radius is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric DRMDJ fractures, associated with few postoperative complications and excellent restoration of wrist function.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of external fixation (EF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to September 2008), Cochrane Central register of controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2008), EMbase (1974 to September 2008), CBM, CNKI, and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EF and ORIF for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. The quality of the included studies was critically assessed and data analyses were performed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.0 software. Results Seven RCTs involving 634 patients were included, of which 269 were in EF group, and 293 were in ORIF group. Only 1 study had relative high quality, all the others had some limitation in randomization, blinding, and allocation concealment. The results of meta-analyses showed that, 1) about the effectiveness: according to the Gartland and Werley grade standard, the ORIF group was better than the EF group with statistic difference (RR=1.50, 95%CI 1.11 to 2.03, P=0.008); because of the original studies did not offer the detailed data including pad strength, grip strength, flexion-extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, we only processed a descriptive analysis; and 2) about complications: the infection rate of the pin track was higher in the EF group than that in the ORIF group with statistic difference (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.76, P=0.02); but there were no differences between the two groups in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) (RR=0.88, 95%CI 0.30 to 2.56, P=0.82), extensor tendon rupture (RR=3.93, 95%CI 0.45 to 34.62, P=0.22), and compartment syndrome (RR=3.13, 95%CI 0.51 to 19.09, P=0.22). Conclusions Compared with EF, ORIF is much better based on Gartland and Werley grade standard, and causes much less infection. Because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more proofs are required from more RCTs with large sample.
ObjectiveTo investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of the distal radius microplate locking plate for the treatment of displaced fracture of medial clavicle.MethodsBetween January 2013 and June 2017, 18 cases of obvious displaced fracture of medial clavicle were treated with distal radius microlocking plate. There were 10 males and 8 females, with an average age of 51.4 years (range, 18-88 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object injury in 3 cases; all of them were closed injury. According to Edinburgh classification, 15 cases were ⅠB1 type and 3 cases were ⅠB2 type. Fracture displacement was 12-21 mm (mean, 16.3 mm). The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days (mean, 4.3 days). After operation, the clinical healing and complications of fracture were observed, and shoulder function was evaluated according to Rockwood’s scoring criteria.ResultsNo incisional infection, neurovascular injury, or other early complications occurred. All 18 patients were followed up 8-15 months (mean, 12 months). All fractures reached clinical osseous union, and the healing time was 8-24 weeks (mean, 16.6 weeks). Postoperative plate loosening occurred in 1 case, which was removed surgically, while other patients did not suffer from complications such as bone nonunion, displacement, internal fixator loosening, and loss of reduction. At last follow-up, according to Rockwood’s scoring criteria, the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 6 cases.ConclusionThe distal radius microplate locking plate is effective for the treatment of displaced medial clavicle fracture, which has few complications, and is feasible for early functional exercise, and is helpful for the recovery of shoulder joint function.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effects of associated ulnar styloid fracture on the prognosis of distal radius fracture. MethodsDatabases including PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library (Issue 5 2013), CNKI, CBM and WanFang Data were searched up to May 2013 for collecting cohort studies about the effects of associated ulnar styloid fracture on the prognosis of distal radius fracture. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, related cohort studies were screened, data were extracted and cross-checked, and quality of included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was then conducted using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 9 studies involving 1 020 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in GartlandWerley score between patients with ulnar styloid fracture or not. Statistical significant difference was found in DASH score between the two groups (MD=2.71, 95% CI 0.26 to 5.16, P=0.03), which indicated that patients with ulnar styloid fracture got higher score in DASH score. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that ulnar styloid fracture may affect the prognosis of patients with distal radius fracture. Due to the quality and quantity limitation of the included studies, the above conclusion needs to be further verified by more high quality studies in future.
Objective To investigate the operative indication and clinical efficacy of combination of external fixator and volar approach fixation in treatingdistal radius fracture. Methods From March 2000 to March 2005, 28 patients with distal radius fracture were treated with combination of external fixator and volar approach fixation. Dorsal external fixator was used to maintain wrist in functional position, combinated volar plate or Kirschner wire fixation after reduction was achieved. Bone graft was necessary if there were severe comminuted cortical bone or compress of cancellous bone. Of 28 patients, there were 21 males and 7 females, aging from 1854 years with a median age of 41 years. The locations were the left side in 4 cases and the right side in 24 cases. According to typing criterion for AO, 18 cases were classified as C2 and 10 cases as C3. One case wasaccompanied with dislocation of lunate bone. Results Among 28 patients, 24 were followed up for an average of 8.5 months. The anatomical relationship of their wristjoint were reestablished and retained. Overall good to excellent results were achieved in 87%, excellent in 16 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 3 cases. Conclusion A combination of external fixator and volar approach fixation is an effective method of treating fractures of the distal radius，because distal radius fracture is unstable or difficult to close reduction. Volarfixation can avoid operative complication, and external fixator can obtain satisfactory reduction and function.