We developed a new type of bioactive bone cement, CAP (Hydroxyapatite composite resin; composed of 77% w/w hydroxyapatite granules and bisphenol-A glycidyl methacrylate-based resin) for bony defect filling. Elastic modulus of CAP is similar to a cortical bone, while it is injectable before hardening and physiologically bonding with bone in 4 to 8 weeks. We present a new method of treatment for unstable Colles’ fracture with this material in clinical use. Experimental comminuted Colles’ fracture was produced in three fresh frozen cadavara. Fracture was reduced and fixed percutaneously with K-wires. 4.5mm drill hole was opened on the radial cortex 3cm proximal to the fracture site. Comminuted fragments were pushed-up to the subchondral area with a blunt rod and CAP was injected through the same way. After cement hardening, K-wires were removed. X-ray photos were examined before fracture, after fracture and after reconstruction with CAP, in order to evaluate the shape of the radius. CT was examined to evaluate the placement of CAP. Radiographic parameters of radii were well recovered after reconstruction with CAP. Over correction of the radial length was observed in one bone but good reduction was generally achieved (Table). This means realignment of the distal radioulnar joint, which results in good outcome clinically. In transverse section of CT, 41 to 69% (average 55%) of subchondral area was filled with CAP. Filling of CAP was better in an osteoporotic bone. These results show the usefulness of this material for treatment of unstable Colles’ fracture especially in osteoporotic patients

The aim of this study was to assess patient-based outcome two years following non-operative management of displaced Colles fractures. 100 patients were evaluated at a minimum of two years after displaced Colles fracture. Fractures were reduced under regional anaesthesia and immobilised in a Colles-type cast for five weeks. The fractures were assessed radiographically by measurement of radial angle, dorsal tilt, radial shortening and carpal malalignment at the time of injury, post-manipulation, and after one and five weeks. The fractures were classified according to Frykman classification. A validated patient-based outcome questionnaire, using a visual analogue score, was used to assess outcome at the end of two years. 7 patients had died, 8 patients were unable to complete the questionnaire because of confusion and 5 were lost to follow-up. Complete outcome data were available on 80 patients. The median age was 61 years. The median pain score was 5 (25%-2 and 75%-12, range 0–100). There was loss of reduction, with more than 5° dorsal angulation and/or 5mm radial shortening in 70% cases. We found that age had no effect on patient outcome except that patients over 50 years complained of more finger stiffness The Frykman classification was an important prognostic factor and a higher grade resulted in worse outcome in a number of areas. Dorsal angulation had no significant effect and carpal malalignment correlated with poor visual appearance. Radial angle and radial shortening were both associated with increased complaints of wrist pain and stiffness. This prospective patient based outcome study has demonstrated that patients make a good functional recovery following nonoperative management of Colles fracture. 70% of our patients had a poor radiological outcome but few reported problems with pain and function at 2 years. Extra-articular malunion due to radial angulation and shortening was common and correlated with wrist pain and stiffness at two years. Frykman classification correlated with pain and functional outcome

Developments in plate technology have increased interest in the operative fixation of Colles' fracture. The vast majority of patients are treated non-operatively, yet there are few medium or long-term outcome studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate medium-term outcome of a cohort of patients who previously received treatment in a plaster cast. 236 patients entered two previous prospective, randomised control studies comparing closed reduction techniques or plaster cast type. Both studies showed no difference in clinical or radiological outcome between groups. 43% of this cohort had a final dorsal tilt of > 10° and 44% had final radial shortening of >2mm. All patients now have a minimum follow-up of five years and 60 have died. The remaining 176 patients were contacted by post and asked to complete two validated patient-based questionnaires: a modified Patient Evaluation Measure and a quickDASH. 112 replies were received. The mean age of patients is 67 years (range 23 – 91 years). 31 patients are employed and 57 retired. 77% of patients had a quickDASH score of less than 20. 59% of patients never experience wrist pain whilst 8% of patients have daily pain. All Patient Evaluation Measures have shown a median score of 12 or less (0=excellent, 100= terrible). The best score was for pain (median 4; IQR 2-12) and the worst for grip strength (median 12; IQR 4 – 41). No radiological outcome 5 weeks after injury correlated with any outcome score, except for dorsal tilt, which correlated with difficulty with fiddly tasks (p=0.04) and carpal malalignment which correlated with interference with work (p=0.04). In conclusion, our results show a good functional outcome five years after non-operative management of Colles' fracture. A degree of malunion is acceptable and in the light of our results the economic impact of surgery must be evaluated

Introduction: Fragility of the bone is widely regarded as a cause of Colles’ Fracture particularly in middle aged or elderly women[. 1. ]. However not every fall results in fracture of the wrist. The normal volar angle of the distal radius is said to be about 10 degrees although in one study the mean volar angulation was found to be 12 degrees with a range from 4 to 23 degrees[. 2. ]. We hypothesised that the volar angle of the distal radius or the position of the wrist at impact could affect where the peak stresses occurred during a fall onto the outstretched arm. We investigated the effect of these two variables on the location and magnitude of the peak stresses using finite element analysis. Materials and Method: A finite element model of the distal radius was constructed in MARC (MSC software, USA). The model was developed from CT data of the right wrist of a 46 year old male. The data was examined by edge detection software (Materialise, Belgium). The inner and outer boundaries of the cortex were imported as curves into MARC. A surface mesh of the distal radius was constructed, from which a 3D solid mesh of the distal radius was generated automatically. The volar angle was modified to represent between 5 to 25 degrees in 5 degree increments. The wrist position was also changed for each volar angle. This varied in 5 degree increments from 0 to 35 degrees, and then at 45, 75 and 90 degrees. Material properties assigned to cortical and cancellous bone were 20GPa and 6GPa respectively with a Poisson’s Ratio of 0.3. The model consisted of 17660 8 noded hexahedral elements and was fully fixed at the cut end of the proximal radius. For each volar angle a load of 500N and 400N was applied perpendicularly to the articular surface across the scaphoid and lunate fossa respectively. The magnitude and location of peak stresses in the proximal and distal radius were recorded. Results: Results show that the location and magnitude of peak stresses vary as a result of wrist position. Distally the stress rises with increasing dorsiflexion and at 35 degrees exceeds the load to failure. The volar angle does not influence the stresses unless it is 20 degrees or more. Proximally the volar angle had no effect, but if the wrist is in more than 75 degrees of dorsiflexion then the peak stresses exceeded the load to failure. Conclusion: Results show that a fall onto the outstretched arm will produce differential stresses in the radius depending on the position of the wrist at impact. The volar angle affected the stresses in the distal radius at greater than 20 degrees but proximally it did not. Proximally stresses above 130MPa (when the wrist is in more than 75 degrees of dorsiflexion) will subject the wrist to fracture[. 3. ]. Distally (when the wrist is in more than 35 degrees of dorsiflexion) with high volar angles (greater than 20 degrees) is likely to produce the conditions for a fracture (cancellous bone has been reported to fail as a result of fracture at 50 MPa [. 4. ] and for osteoporotic bone at 0.44MPa [. 4. ]

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of external þxation in Collesñ fracture.Methods: The history of all patients with distal forearm fracture (n=257) treated in Kuopio University Hospital during the year 1992 were studied. Radiographs of patients over 15 years of age treated with external þxation were studied (n=31), but only Collesñ fractures with dorsal angle (n=20) were cross-examined with a control group of conservatively treated randomly selected patients with a similar fracture (n=17). Radial shortening, dorsal angle and radial inclination were measured from the radiographs. Results: 70% and 22% of the fractures were intra-articular in external þxation (EF) and control (C) groups, respectively. The studied parameters at baseline were only a little bit (NS) worse in the EF group than in the control group. After reduction, the loss of radial length and inclination were corrected signiþcantly better using EF than in conservative treatment group. However, only radial inclination was maintained signiþcantly better in EF group after the immobilisation period (5–7 wk). There were less complications and functional problems reported in the conservatively treated patients (8% of all cases) than in the patients treated with external þxation (23%). However, worsening in the anatomical reduction during conservative treatment was reported in 22–27% of all cases. Conclusions: Only loss of radial length and inclination can be reduced signiþcantly better with external þxation than using conservative treatment. There seems to be no reason to use external þxation to reduce dorsal angle only. External þxation leads more often to complications than conservative treatment.

Introduction and objectives: The most commonly used treatment for extraarticular fractures of distal radius is closed reduction and maintenance of reduction in a cast. Two types of casts are used: plaster splint for 7–10 days and later exchanged to a circular cast and the use of circular cast immediately. The objective of this work is to compare both types of treatment in terms of ability to achieve reduction and to maintain it during healing.

Methods: A prospective, randomized and blinded study was designed. To date, 21 patients enrolled the study. Informed consent was given. The inclusion criteria were: older than 35 years, extraarticular distal radius fracture sustained less than 24 hours before and not previously treated. Exclusion criteria included previous injury in the same wrist, open fracture, and not compliance with the protocol. After intrafocal anesthesia with mepivacaine 1%, fracture was reduced under traction and immobilized in a dorsal short plaster splint (splint group) or a circular short plaster cast (circular group) randomly. After 10 days of immobilization, the plaster splint was changed to a circular short plaster cast. AP and lateral X-Rays were taken before reduction, after reduction, after 10 days (before changing cast), and at 21 days. Volar inclination of lunate fossa on the lateral X-Ray was obtained. On the AP proyection, the radial inclination and radial length was measured. Complications were recorded. Data was analysed through ANOVA between groups.

Results: When comparing X-rays before and after reduction, the volar inclination of the lunate fossa on lateral projection changed from −21,4° to 8,60° (30° change) after reduction in splint group and from −15,22° to 1,78° (17° change) in circular group (p< 0.05). The other comparisons were N.S. When comparing after reduction and 10 days later, the radial inclination changed from 20,20° to 18,80° (1,40° change) in the splint group and from 20,89° to 20,44 (0,44° change) in the circular group (p< 0.05). Other comparisons were N.S. No differences were found between 10 days and 21 days in any X-Ray parameter. No complications were found.

Conclusions: A better reduction was achieved with the plaster splint method in the immediate X-Ray control. Nevertheless, reduction was better maintained during the first 10 days with the circular plaster cast method.

PURPOSE: To compare the functionnal and radiological results concerning the “same” distal radius fracture of 3 different and consecutive procedure : dorsal plate, pins and palmar plate.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty two patients with a dorsally displaced extra-articular fracture of the distal radius were treated by dorsal plating [group 1, 20 patients, mean age 59,9 yo (25–87)], pinning [group 2, (22 patients, mean age 55,6 yo (17–83)] and volar plating [group 3, 20 patients mean age 57,1 yo (17–78)]. Patients were evaluated by a surgeon not involved in the treatment. Posttreatment evaluations consisted of measurements of range of motion, grip strength, radiographic evaluations between post operative time and last follow up, and evaluation by Herzberg scoring, associated with Gartland and Werley rating system and completion of Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. Comparaison of three groups was performed with Kruskall-Wallis or ANOVA test (quantitatives variables) and Khi-2 (qualitatives variables) (p-value < 0.05).

RESULTS : Operative time was same for plate groups but two times more than pin groups. In Group 1 most complications and fair functionnal results were reported (32%) in spite highest follow up. Group 3 showed best results in flexion-extension, with DASH scoring, ulnar variance conservation, and most excellent and good results with Gartland and werley rating system. In group 2 and 3 same percentage of complications were pointed: 5%. Indenpendtly of tretament best results were reported in men, less than 30 yo.

DISCUSSION : If dorsal plate remains logical, such a fixation is challenging with high percentage of complications. In such extrarticular distal radius fracture palmar plate as pinning reach good and reliable functionnal results. Reduction of the palmar cortex remains probably the technical point. If the palmar plate is sufficiently rigid it can offer adequate stability for the treatment of the distal radius fracture in which the anterior and/or posterior metaphyseal cortex is frequently comminuted severely.

Introduction. Shared decision making (SDM) was introduced in hospital Lillebelt in 2019 and research reports that patients are more satisfied with their treatment, if they play an active role in choosing treatment. A Decision-Helper was constructed and introduced in the treatment for Colles fractures. This study aimed to understand how patients experience shared decision-making (SDM) for an acute illness, and how it affects them when making decisions about the treatment of their distal radius fracture. Method. An exploratory, qualitative study design was performed to understand the patient's experience, during the choice of treatment with SDM. 12 were recruited when they came to their first follow-up 5 days after the injury, in the outpatient clinic. 10 were interviewed; 3 face to face and 7 by telephone. All women aged 57-87 years and all had a displaced Colles fracture, which had been reduced in the Emergency Room. Result. Analyzing the interviews three themes emerged: 1) Acute situation. Patients was positive towards SDM, but found it demanding to participate in. Patients was still in crisis, 5 days after suffering from a fracture. Patients were unable to remember the information given in the ER, regarding the use of the Decision helper. Few had prepared themselves for the consult in the outpatient clinic. 2) Influence on treatment choice. It was unclear to the majority of patients, that cast or surgery, resulted in similar clinical outcomes. 3) The treatment decision was based on personal factors, more than the information received during the consult. Conclusion. Patients wants to be included in the treatment decision. It is important to highlight that booth treatments are equal in clinical outcome, before introducing the Decision-Helper. The doctor´s demeanor is of great importance to the patient's experience. Introducing SDM in the clinical setting requires training and repeated observations, to succeed

Purpose: This in-vitro study examined the effect of simulated Colles fractures on load transmitted to the distal ulna, using an in-line load cell. Our hypothesis was distal radial fracture malposition will increase distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ) load relative to the native position of the radius. Method: Eight fresh frozen upper-extremities were mounted in a motion simulator which enabled active forearm rotation. An osteotomy was performed just proximal to the distal radioulnar joint, and a 3-degree of freedom modular appliance was implanted which simulated Colles type distal radial fracture deformities. This device allowed for accurate adjustment of dorsal angulation and translation (0, 10, 20 and 30 degrees dorsal angulation and 0, 5 and 10mm dorsal translation both isolated and in combination). A 6-DOF load cell was inserted in the distal ulna 1.5 cm proximal to the ulnar head to quantify DRUJ joint forces. Distal ulnar loading was measured following simulated distal radial deformities with both an intact and sectioned triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Results: The maximum resultant transverse distal ulnar load occurred during active forearm pronation and supination. Increasing magnitudes of dorsal angulation and translation of the distal radius increased loading in the distal ulna. For pronation with the ligaments intact, the transverse resultant load for the non-fracture, native positioning was significantly lower (p< 0.05) than the majority of malpositioned cases except for the translations only (not combined with angulation). However, all fracture orientations for supination had an increased effect on the resultant loading (p< 0.05) when ligaments were intact. Greater forces were measured in the distal ulna when the TFCC intact relative to TFCC sectioning. Sectioning the TFCC eliminated the effect of fracture malposition for both pronation and supination. The range of maximum transverse force for intact pronation and supination was between 118& #61617;34N and 130& #61617;39N, respectively. Similarly, for sectioned pronation and supination, the maximum transverse forces were and 93& #61617;40N and 89& #61617;24N, respectively. Conclusion: Malpositioning of distal radial fractures in dorsal translation and angulation was found to increase forces in the distal ulna, which may be an important source of residual pain following malunion of Colles fractures. Healing of the distal radius in an anatomic position resulted in the least forces. Sectioning the TFCC released the tethering effect of the radius on the ulna, decreasing DRUJ force. This is the first study of its kind to attempt to quantify the forces at the DRUJ as a result of Colles fractures, and these early findings provide important baseline information related to the biomechanics of the DRUJ

Osteoporosis has been implicated as one of the causative factors for Colles’ fracture. The current study was designed to establish whether the degree of osteoporosis has any influence on the radiological severity of Colles’ fracture in active elderly peri-menopausal female patients. Female peri-menopausal patients who sustained a Colles’ fracture were studied. The ultra distal Bone Mineral Density (uBMD) was determined using DXA in the contralateral non-fractured wrists, which were also x-rayed. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, the radiological severity of the fracture was assessed using a computerised image analysis system, which measured the radial angle, height and width on AP view and the dorsal tilt on lateral view. Measurements were carried out on the fractured and the normal wrist. Pearson’s correlations between age, height, weight, BMI, uBMD and fracture measurements were carried out. The Bone Deformity Index (BDI) was defined as the summation of all the differences of the previous parameters between the normal and fractured wrists on the AP view. ANOVA, with bonferroni correction, was used to compare the parameters and the radiological measurements between normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic patients. Sixty-seven patients were recruited. Those with Barton fractures, previous fractures of the wrist or a previous history of chronic treatment with bone modifying drugs were excluded. Forty eight patients were analysed. The parameters measured had a tendency to be worse with increasing degree of osteoporosis, although the only significance was in the measurement of dorsal tilt on the lateral view (p = 0.05). The normal patients were significantly heavier (89.3 kg) than the other two groups (p =0.03). In the osteoporotic group the correlation between uBMD and the BDI was −0.6, between uBMD and radial height difference was –0.5 and between uBMD and the angle difference in AP was also –0.5. Similar correlations in normal patients were not statistically significant. Power estimates were performed. Because of the relatively large variability within the samples, a sample size of 550 cases will be necessary to reach a power of 80% to detect a pre-defined clinically significant difference of 3 units in the BDI between groups. The evidence from this study suggests that the initial radiological deformity in osteoporotic patients was greater in those patients with severe degree of osteoporosis. The deformity in normal patients did not have a correlation with the uBMD but these patients were significantly heavier, indicating a different combination of causative factors in these two groups. The precision of the current method of x-ray measurements has enabled a precise definition of the variability within the different groups, resulting in the production of information that was not previously available

Introduction. The classical Colles fracture (extraarticular, dorsally angulated distal radius fracture) in patients with osteoporotic bone is becoming increasingly more frequent. There still appears to be no clear consensus on the most appropriate surgical management of these injuries. The purpose of this study is to appraise the use of percutaneous extra-focal pinning, in the management of the classical colles fracture. Methods. We retrospectively analysed 72 consecutive cases of Colles fractures treated with interfragmentary K-wire fixation, in female patients over sixty years of age, in two orthopaedic centres, under the care of twelve different orthopaedic surgeons. We correlated the radiographic distal radius measurements (ulnar variance, volar tilt, and radial inclination) at the pre-operative and intra-operative stages with the final radiographic outcome. Result. Mean dorsal angulation was 21° at time of presentation. Closed reduction significantly improved fracture position to a mean of 2.7° volar angulation (p<0.05). Mean angulation at time of k-wire removal was 1.6° dorsal, this was not significant in comparison to post reduction measurements (p< 0.05). Mean ulnar variance at time of presentation was 2.5mm (range 7.4 to -4.2). Reduction improved fracture displacement to a mean of 0mm, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean ulnar variance at time of k-wire removal was 2.4mm (p<0.05). 56.8% of cases demonstrated radial shortening of 2mm or more. Conclusion. In female patients over 60 years of age, the best predictor of radial length, when K-wire fixation is to be used, is the radial length prior to fracture reduction. Thus if there is radial shortening visible in the initial radiographs as measured in terms of ulnar variance, one should consider a method of fixation other than inter-fragmentary K-wires

Aim: To assess the adequacy of reduction of Colles fracture by haematoma block and intravenous sedation and its outcome. Methodology: Retrospectively reviewed 70 Colles fracture reductions done in the A & E. 30 haematoma blocks and 40 intravenouss sedation. The prereduction radiographs were reviewed for the radial height & inclination and dorsal tilt. The outcome of the reduction was also reviewed. Results: The mean age was 59 years for haematoma block and 56 years for intravenous sedation. Fracture classifications were similar in both groups using the Frykman and Universal classification. The mean prereduction radial length, radial inclination and dorsal tilt were equal in both groups. There was significant difference in post reduction measurements between the two groups. 30% of the haematoma block group had further manipulation and K wiring done whereas only 15% of the intravenous sedation group had further procedures done. Conclusions: Our study showed that there was less remanipulation and better reduction in the intravenous group than the haematoma group. We recommend intravenous sedation as a preferred procedure for initial manipulation of Colles fratures for a better outcome

Introduction: Displaced Colles’ fractures are usually managed by closed reduction and cast immobilisation. They are reduced initially but frequently lose position because cast immobilisation is an inefficient means of stabilisation. This results in malunion. If position is lost after reduction and cast immobilisation or the fracture is unstable, closed reduction and cast immobilisation is often supplemented by longitudinal k-wire fixation. There is a paucity of literature examining the incidence of unacceptable malunion after closed reduction and k-wire stabilisation. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether closed reduction, longitudinal k-wire fixation and cast immobilisation of displaced fractures of the distal radius avoids unacceptable malunion. A secondary aim was to define the type of fracture best treated by this method. Methods: 53 patients underwent closed reduction and longitudinal k-wiring of displaced Colles’ fractures and were reviewed after a mean of 26 months. Radiographs taken at the time of injury, after reduction and k-wiring, and at fracture union were compared for radial shortening and dorsal angulation. Results: Manipulation significantly improved fracture position (p< 0.001). Dorsal angulation was successfully corrected by manipulation in 98%, and this position was maintained to fracture union in all cases. 73% of fractures manipulated for radial shortening > 2mm were adequately reduced, but 41% of these fractures subsequently lost position to malunite. The mean shortening between reduction and fracture union was 1.6mm. This did not correlate with Frykman Class or radial shortening at injury. Discussion: Closed Reduction and k-wire stabilisation is an attractive technique because it is relatively non-invasive compared with plating or external fixation. However, a degree of radial shortening between reduction and fracture union must be anticipated. Fractures not reduced to allow for this later loss of radial length are more likely to malunite. This may compromise functional outcome

A postal questionnaire was sent to 225 GPs and 225 Orthopaedic Surgeons (Consultant and Specialist Registrars) in 20 hospitals in North West England. They were asked to give their routine clinical practice with regard to investigation of underlying osteoporosis in 3 clinical scenarios :. 55 year old lady with a low trauma Colles fracture. 60 year old lady with a vertebral wedge fracture. 70 year old lady with a low trauma femoral neck fracture. The participants were asked whether patients over 50 years old with low trauma fractures required investigation for osteoporosis, and whether an osteoporosis Nurse Specialist would provide a beneficial service. The response rate was 52% (n=l17) from Orthopaedic Surgeons and 49% (n=l11) from GPs. Both groups agreed that patients over 50 years old with low trauma fractures required investigation for osteoporosis (81 % surgeons and 96% GPs), and that Osteoporosis Nurse Specialists may provide a beneficial Service (81% Surgeons and 94% of GPs). A majority of surgeons (56%) replied that they would routinely discharge the Colles fracture patient without requesting or initiating investigation for underlying osteoporosis. However, a majority of GPs (67%) would not investigate a similar patient for osteoporosis, unless prompted by the surgeon or patient. A greater proportion of both surgeons (71%) and GPs (64%) would routinely initiate investigations or treatment for osteoporosis in the Vertebral Wedge fracture patient. 65% of surgeons would simply discharge a patient with a femoral neck fracture after orthopaedic treatment and 40% of GPs will simply file the hospital discharge letter. Most Orthopaedic Surgeons and GPs are aware that low trauma fractures in patients over 50 years old require investigation for Osteoporosis, however, a large population of patients with Colles and Femoral Neck fractures are not being given the advantages of secondary prevention of Osteoporosis. This may lead to greater workload for Orthopaedic Surgeons in the future

The purpose of this study is to review the current treatment of Colles fractures by long term follow up and to compare these results with a similar paper published in 1965 by G.B. Smail. And secondly, to evaluate the degree of bone density in these patients and to see what, if any, treatment is being received in those with evidence of osteopenia. The records and radiographs of 82 patients treated at Hutt Hospital between January 1997 and January 1998 were reviewed. Of these, thirty-two attended for re-examination. Subjective measures of pain, appearance and functional limitations were recorded, as were complications and whether the wrist had reached a stable state. Anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs of both wrists were taken, from which measurements of residual dorsal tilt and shortening of radius were made. Of the thirty two patients that presented for re-examination twenty went on to have bone density measurements. When comparing results from two similar studies, spaced thirty seven years apart, subjective findings show that from a functional and appearance perspective there appears to be little difference between the two cohorts. With respect to pain, patients treated in 1997 complained of a lot less residual pain compared to those treated in 1960. Objectively, the range of movement in the wrist joint was once again found to be similar in the two cohorts, as was the range of movement in shoulder, elbow appeared to be similar. Finger movement was difficult to compare. Radiologically the degree of ventral dorsal tilt does not correlate with range of movement at the wrist. Bone density scan results suggest that the majority of patients with evidence of osteoporosis are not been treated appropriately. Overall conclusion is that the outcome for treatment of Colles’s fractures has not changed significantly in the past thirty seven years

53 patients underwent closed reduction and longitudinal k-wiring of displaced Colles’ fractures and were reviewed after a mean of 26 months. Radiographs taken at the time of injury, after reduction and k-wiring, and at fracture union were compared for radial shortening and dorsal angulation. Manipulation significantly improved fracture position (p< 0.001). Dorsal angulation was successfully corrected by manipulation in 98%, and this position was maintained to fracture union in all cases. 73% of fractures manipulated for radial shortening > 2mm were adequately reduced, but 41% of these fractures subsequently lost position to malunite. The mean shortening between reduction and fracture union was 1.6mm. This did not correlate with Frykman Class or radial shortening at injury. Closed Reduction and k-wire stabilisation is an attractive technique because it is relatively non-invasive compared with plating or external fixation. However, a degree of radial shortening between reduction and fracture union must be anticipated. Fractures reduced inadequately to allow for this loss of radial length, are more likely to malunite. This may compromise functional outcome

Background. One of the prime concerns when managing patients in plaster casts is loss of reduction. There have been studies showing that proper moulding of the plaster cast is critical in maintaining reduction. Recent studies have negated concerns that fibreglass (FG) casts do not allow swelling, when compared to plaster of Paris (POP) casts. However, their potential in maintenance of reduction has not been investigated. Materials and methods. We compared the three-point bending properties of FG casts with POP casts over the first 48 hours. The effect of splitting the casts, at one hour and 24 hours, was studied. Three identical jigs with hinged metal rods were designed to simulate a Colles fracture. The bending force was provided by 0.5 kg weight applied at one end of the jig. The resultant displacement was measured to nearest 0.01 mm over the next 48 hours. Each test was repeated 6 times (total 6 groups and 36 tests). Results. Most deformation occurred within 1 hour for FG casts and 24 hours for POP casts. The total deformation in FG cast (mean 2.4 mm) was significantly less than in POP casts (mean 4.7 mm) (p < 0.01). Splitting at 1 hour increased the final deformation of the POP cast and not of the FG cast (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noticed if the casts were split at 24 hours. Conclusion. Three-point moulding with FG casts can provide better constant loading at the fracture site than the POP casts. Early setting of FG cast allows earlier splitting. We recommend clinical trials to ascertain the safety and efficacy of split FG casts

Purpose of the study: Within the framework of a regional study, we compared the efficacy of pinning using the PY technique and the Kapandji method for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius with posterior displacement. Material and methods: This was a prospective study designed as a phase III randomised therapeutic trial in parallel groups. An open monocentric study with multiple operators compared the PY and Kapandji techniques. Two comparable groups were established: the PY group and the Kapandji group (K) for which we measured: quality of reduction using the radiographic frontal and sagittal radial inclination (FRI and SRI), radial length and inferior radioulnar index. Objective and subjective functional outcome assessed range of motion and the DASH and Jakim scores. The quality of the intra-articular reduction of articular fractures was assessed arthroscopically at the time of implant removal during the sixth week. Results: The series included 97 patients followed for one year. The preoperative FRI was 15.17 with mean posterior shift of −19.2. At one year, the RI was 25.5 in the PY group versus 22.6 in the K group (p=0.009) and the SRI 10.5 in the PY group versus 3.7 in the K group (p=0.04). For fractures with a posteromedian fragment and Gerard-Marchand fractures, the DASH at one year was 2 in the PY group versus 32 in the K group. The Jakim score was 71 in the PY group versus 58 in the K group (p=0.03) for posteromedian fragment fractures. The arthroscopic control at six weeks of articular fractures did not reveal any significant difference in intra-articular reduction. There were no tendon tears in this series. Discussion: This series shows the quality of pin fixation for wrist fractures, comparable with plating. It emphasizes the importance of adapting the type of pinning to the fracture type and the patient. Conclusion: Treatment of fractures of the distal radius with posterior displacement with pin fixation remains a treatment of choice, reserving PY osteosynthesis for fractures with a posteromedian fragment and Gerard-Marchand fractures and Kapandji osteosynthsis for simple Colles fractures

Aim: There are more than 50 methods for the treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Our aim is to test how effective is the treatment of patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy with guanethidine. Method: 15 patients (F=12, M=3, Mean age 59.9) were seen in the chronic pain clinic with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. 13 patients had sustained a Colles fracture and 11 of them had a closed reduction and application of POP and 2 had an external fixation. 1 had an operation for release of median nerve and 1 amputation of 3 fingers due to trauma. There were first seen in the Pain Clinic 12–16 weeks after the initial injury. Main symptoms were pain and stiffness. On examination all of them had oedema of the hand, stiffness and discoloration. Allodynia was present in 8. Patsy osteoporosis was evident on the x-rays. Palmar elytritis with atrophy in 6. The treatment was intravenous sympathetic block with 20 mg guanethidine plus 2ml 2% lignocaine and N/Saline up to 20 ml. The second block was repeated after 3 days and the following depending on the response to pain. Physiotherapy session followed each block. Results: 2 patients needed 5 blocks, 7 patients 4 blocks, 5 patients 3 blocks and 1 patient 2 blocks. In the end there was complete regression of the pain, oedema and restoration of the movement. Conclusion: The sympathetic block with I.V. administration of guanethidine in combination with physiotherapy seems to be a safe and simple treatment of choice, well tolerated and with good results

Practice variation may occur when there is no standardised approach to specific clinical problems and there is a lack of scientific evidence for alternative treatments. Practice variation suggests that a segment of the patient population may be managed sub-optimally, and indicates a need for further research in order to establish stronger evidence-based practice guidelines. We surveyed Australian orthopaedic surgeons to examine practice variation in common orthopaedic presentations. In February 2009, members of the Australian Orthopaedic Association were emailed an online survey, which collected information regarding experience level (number of years as a consultant), sub-specialty interests, state where the surgeon works, on- call participation, as well as five common (anecdotally controversial) orthopaedic trauma cases with a number of management options. Surgeons were asked to choose their one most likely management choice from the list provided, which was either surgical or non-surgical in nature. A reminder was sent two weeks later. Exploratory regression was modeled to examine the predictors of choosing surgical management for each case and overall. Of 760 surgeons, 358 (47%) provided responses. For undisplaced scaphoid fractures, respondents selected short-arm cast (53%), ORIF (22%), percutaneous screw (22%) and long-arm cast (3%). Less experienced (0 to 5 years) (p=0.006) and hand surgeons (p=0.008) were more likely to operate. For a displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture, respondents selected non-operative (62%), plating (31%) and intramedullary fixation (7%). Shoulder surgeons were more likely to operate (p<0.001). For an undisplaced Weber B lateral malleolus fracture, respondents selected plaster cast or boot (59%), lateral plating (31%), posterior plating (9%) and no splinting (2%). For a displaced Colles fracture in an older patient, respondents selected plating (47%), Kirschner wires (28%), cast/splint (23%) and external fixation (1%). Less experienced (p<0.001) and hand surgeons (p=0.024) were more likely to operate. For a two-part neck of humerus fracture in an older patient, respondents selected non-operative (74%), locking plate (14%), and hemiarthroplasty (7%). Shoulder surgeons were more likely to operate (p<0.001). Accounting for all answers in multiple regression modeling, it was found that more experienced surgeons (>15 years) were 25% less likely to operate (p=0.001). Overall, there was no difference among sub-specialties, or whether a surgeon participated in an on-call roster. Considerable practice variation exists among orthopaedic surgeons in the approach to common orthopaedic problems. Surgeons who identify with a sub-specialty are more likely to manage conditions in their area of interest operatively, and more experienced surgeons are less likely to recommend surgical management