UNSTABLE, DORSALLY DISPLACED DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES. TREATMENT WITH 7 ∏-PLATE

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the distal radius π-plate in the surgical treatment of acute, dorsally displaced, unstable distal radius fractures.

Material: 37 patients with an average age of 41 yrs included in the study. Upon dorsal exposure of the fracture and provisional reduction with the aid of a distractor and K-wires, a bending template was used to verify plate length and contour. The plate was then applied and the type, number and location of screws and buttress pins to be used were determined. Eight patients had supplementary fixation. Autologus bone graft was used to fill defects in 28 patients.

Results: The average follow up was 21 months. Radiographic evidence of union was documented at an average of 6 weeks postop. No loss of reduction occurred in any of the patients and no patient complained of residual deformity. The average ROM was 79% of the contralateral side, the average grip strength was 64% of the contralateral wrist and the average pinch strength was 76% of the contralateral hand. No infections, nonunions, wound problems or plate failures occurred. 5 patients developed irritation and 4 had their plates removed.

Concussion: The results of this study verify the safety and the efficacy of the π-plate for the treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius. Furthermore considering the technical advantages of the π,-plate it seems that complex distal radius fractures can effectively be addressed through a dorsal approach and stable internal fixation.