Compared to single-incision distal biceps repair (SI), double-incision repair (DI) theoretically allows for reattachment of the tendon to a more anatomically favorable position. We hypothesized that DI repair would result in greater terminal supination torque compared to SI repair for acute distal biceps ruptures.

In this retrospective cohort study, patients were included if they sustained an isolated, acute (° supinated position. Secondary outcomes included supination torque in 45° supinated, neutral, and 45° pronated positions, ASES elbow score, DASH, SF-12, and VAS. Power analysis revealed that at least 32 patients were needed to detect a minimum 15% difference in the primary outcome (β = 0.20). Statistical analysis was performed with significance level α = 0.05 using R version 3.4.1 (R Core Team 2017, Vienna, Austria).

Of 53 eligible patients, 37 consented to participate. Fifteen were repaired using DI technique and 22 using SI technique. Mean age was 47.3yrs and median follow-up time was 28.1months. The groups did not differ with respect to age, time-to-follow-up, dominance of arm affected, Workers Compensation or smoking status. Mean supination torque, measured as the percentage of the unaffected side, was 60.9% (95%CI 45.1–76.7) for DI repair versus 80.4% (95%CI 69.1–91.7) for SI repair at the 60°supinated position (p=0.036). There were no statistically significant differences in mean supination torque at the 45°supinated position: 67.1% (95%CI 49.4–84.7) for DI versus 81.8% (95%CI 72.2–91.4) for SI (p=0.102), at the neutral position: 88.8% (95%CI 75.2–102.4) for DI versus 97.6% (95%CI 91.6–103.7) for SI (p=0.0.170), and at the 45°pronated position: 104.5% (95%CI 91.1–117.9) for DI versus 103.4 (95%CI 97.2–109.6) for SI (p=0.0.862). No statistically significant differences were detected in the secondary outcomes ASES Pain, ASES Function, DASH scores, SF-12 PCS or MCS, or VAS Pain. A small difference was detected in VAS Function (median 1.3 for DI repair versus 0.5 for SI repair, p=0.023). In a multivariate linear regression model controlling for arm dominance, age, and follow-up time, SI repair was associated with a greater mean supination torque than DI repair by 19.6% at the 60°supinated position (p=0.011).

Contrary to our hypothesis, we found approximately a 20% mean improvement in terminal supination torque for acute distal biceps ruptures repaired with the single-incision technique compared to the double-incision technique. Patients uniformly did well with either technique, though we contend that this finding may have clinical significance for the more discerning, high-demand patient.

Compared to single-incision distal biceps repair (SI), double-incision repair (DI) theoretically allows for reattachment of the tendon to a more anatomically favorable position. We hypothesized that DI repair would result in greater terminal supination torque compared to SI repair for acute distal biceps ruptures.

In this retrospective cohort study, patients were included if they sustained an isolated, acute (° supinated position. Secondary outcomes included supination torque in 45° supinated, neutral, and 45° pronated positions, ASES elbow score, DASH, SF-12, and VAS. Power analysis revealed that at least 32 patients were needed to detect a minimum 15% difference in the primary outcome (β = 0.20). Statistical analysis was performed with significance level α = 0.05 using R version 3.4.1 (R Core Team 2017, Vienna, Austria).

Of 53 eligible patients, 37 consented to participate. Fifteen were repaired using DI technique and 22 using SI technique. Mean age was 47.3yrs and median follow-up time was 28.1months. The groups did not differ with respect to age, time-to-follow-up, dominance of arm affected, Workers Compensation or smoking status. Mean supination torque, measured as the percentage of the unaffected side, was 60.9% (95%CI 45.1–76.7) for DI repair versus 80.4% (95%CI 69.1–91.7) for SI repair at the 60°supinated position (p=0.036). There were no statistically significant differences in mean supination torque at the 45°supinated position: 67.1% (95%CI 49.4–84.7) for DI versus 81.8% (95%CI 72.2–91.4) for SI (p=0.102), at the neutral position: 88.8% (95%CI 75.2–102.4) for DI versus 97.6% (95%CI 91.6–103.7) for SI (p=0.0.170), and at the 45°pronated position: 104.5% (95%CI 91.1–117.9) for DI versus 103.4 (95%CI 97.2–109.6) for SI (p=0.0.862). No statistically significant differences were detected in the secondary outcomes ASES Pain, ASES Function, DASH scores, SF-12 PCS or MCS, or VAS Pain. A small difference was detected in VAS Function (median 1.3 for DI repair versus 0.5 for SI repair, p=0.023). In a multivariate linear regression model controlling for arm dominance, age, and follow-up time, SI repair was associated with a greater mean supination torque than DI repair by 19.6% at the 60°supinated position (p=0.011).

Contrary to our hypothesis, we found approximately a 20% mean improvement in terminal supination torque for acute distal biceps ruptures repaired with the single-incision technique compared to the double-incision technique. Patients uniformly did well with either technique, though we contend that this finding may have clinical significance for the more discerning, high-demand patient.

Introduction: The choice of whether to use absorbable or non-absorbable suture in the closure of wounds following hand or upper limb surgery is usually surgeon dependent. In our unit both continuous absorbable subcutaneous suture and interrupted non-absorbable suture are utilised. The use of absorbable sutures offers a potential advantage to the patient and clinician in not requiring a clinic appointment for suture removal. The quality and aesthetic appearance of hand and upper limb surgical scars are of great importance to patients. Few studies have compared the aesthetic appearance of scars following the use of absorbable and non-absorbable suture in hand and upper limb surgical wound closure.

Method: 50 consecutive patients having undergone day case hand surgery between August 2007 and May 2008 with absorbable suture wound closure were identified along with 50 consecutive patients over the same time period who underwent non-absorbable wound closure. Each was sent a questionnaire comprising a visual analogue scale (VAS) for wound satisfaction, a validated 6 point patient scar assessment tool and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH).

Results: 100 patients were contacted by post and 70 responses were received (37 absorbable, 33 non-absorbable). Both groups had undergone a similar spectrum of procedures including carpal tunnel decompression, Dupuytrens fasciectomy, excision of lesions and trigger finger release. Age, sex and QuickDASH scores were not significantly different between groups. Mean VAS was not significantly different between groups (Non-absorbable group 82.4 (95% CI 74.7–90.2) Absorbable group 80.4 (95% CI 71.9–89.0)). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of pain, itching, scar colour, stiffness, thickness or irregularity.

Conclusion: No significant difference in aesthetic appearance of scars exists following the closure of hand and upper limb wounds with either absorbable or non-absorbable suture. Either suture material can be used with confidence with respect to aesthetic outcome.

Purpose

Based on anatomic studies, it appears that the short head (SH) and long head (LH) of the distal biceps tendons have discreet distal attachments on the radial tuberosity. The SH attaches distally and therefore may function as a stronger flexor, whereas the LH attaches more proximal and ulnar which would make it a greater supinator. The contribution of each of the two heads to flexion and supination has not yet been defined. The rationale of this study was to directly measure the contribution of the SH and LH of the biceps to elbow flexion and forearm supination and provide biomechanical evidence for what is inferred in the anatomical studies.

Background

CRUS is difficult to treat. Many techniques have been tried in an effort to restore forearm rotation; however, they have not been successful. It is inadvisable by many authors to perform any operation with the hope of obtaining pronation and supination.

Objective: To compare two techniques of reduction of the pulled elbow 1. supination of the forearm followed by flexion of the elbow 2. hyperpronation of the forearm.

Material and methods: From July to October 2004, we studied 55 children with pulled elbow, aged below 4 years treated at the Emergency Department of the University Children’s Hospital of Belgrade. One patient was excluded from the study due to the fracture of the forearm.

The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the technique used in treatment.

Group 1: 23 pts treated by reduction supination / flexion technique,

Groups where randomized by:

A. Aged

From 14 months to 3 year, Mean: 22.22 months; Group 1; From 9 months to 3, 4 year, Mean: 22.79 months Group 2. P > 0,05

B. Time elapsed from injury to the medical treatment:

From 30 min. to 24 hours, Mean 508.7 min. Group 1 From 30 min. to 20 hours, Mean 368.2 min. Group 2, P > 0,05

C. Sex ratio M/F

13/10 group 1, 15/16 group 2, P > 0,05

D. Side L/R

14/9 group 1, 21/10 group 2 P > 0,05

E. Recurrence 4/23 group 1, 15/31 group 2 P > 0,05

Success of reduction was evaluated by

1/ The period elapsed until the return of function of the arm

2/ Checking the duration of the child crying

3/ Palpatory confirmation of successful reduction by palpable click-clackman.

Patients were followed every 30 sec during the first 5 min, and then every 5 to 30 min.

Results: 1/ After 30 min, in four children treated by supination flexion technique full function was not achieved, so we did another reduction using an alternative technique hyperpronation.

One patient from the second group was not successfully treated. P > 0.05

2/ Mean time of the period elapsed until the return of arm function was: Group 1 813,9 sec, Group 2 243,4 sec. P < 0.01

3/ Mean time when the child stopped crying was Group 1 408.3 sec, Group 2 223,2 sec. P < 0,01

4/ Palpatory confirmation of successful reduction -clackman was detected in Group 19/23 pts.,Group 30/31pts. P > 0.05

Conclusion: Our preliminary results of reduction of radial head subluxation using hyperpronation technique confirmed it to be to be simpler and more successful in reduction of the radial head dislocation, as shown by the mean time elapsed after the return of arm function and duration of child crying.

Purpose of the study: Defective reduction and secondary displacement after osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures can compromise wrist function. Volar locking plates enable solid fixation which remains stable over time but section of the pronator quadrates necessary for the anterior approach raises the risks of destabilising the distal radioulnar joint and loss of pronation force. Our study was designed to evaluate recovery of grip, pronation and supination force after volar locking plate fixation.

Material and methods: This was a prospective study of 29 fractures of the distal radius with dorsal displacement fixed with a volar locking plate in 28 patients (17 men, 11 women, mean age 48.75 years) from January 2007 to May 2008. The quality of the pronator quadrates suture was assessed at the end of the operation. The assessment included the classical parameters of wrist movement, the Herzberg and Dumontier score, radial slope and ulnar variance on the ap and lateral views of the wrist, and recovery of grip, pronation and supination force compared with the opposite side using an ambulatory device.

Results: The pronator quadratus suture was considered solid in eight cases, precarious in seven. Complete suture was not possible in 14 cases. At mean follow-up of 10 months, patients had on average recovered 77% of the grip force, 74% of the pronation force, and 76% of supination force, compared with the opposite side. Complications included one defective reduction, one secondary displacement (by defective plate position), two dystrophy syndromes, and four posttrauma carpal tunnel syndromes.

Discussion: The literature shows that volar plate fixation enables recovery of 74% to 84% of grip force. Few studies have examined the recovery of pronosupination and none have described results after osteosynthesis for fracture. Our study did not find that section of the pronator quadrates, a muscle difficult to suture, had a deleterious effect.

Conclusion: Osteosynthesis using a volar locking plate for distal fractures of the radius remains a controversial issue. Study of recovery of the grip, pronation and supination force did not reveal any prejudice attributable to this technique.

Increased use of locking volar plates for distal radius fractures led to a number of reports in literature of flexor tendon injuries from impingement and attrition against hardware. Repair of the pronator quadratus is critical in preventing tendon injury. We present a pronator quadratus sparing approach to the distal radius. The senior author has used a pronator quadratus sparing lateral pillar approach for for the past five years. A lateral incision is used over the radial styloid. The first dorsal compartment is released and APL and EPB tendons retracted. The underlying brachio-radialis tendon and insertion fascia is split and the palmar portion elevated off the distal radius with the pronator quadratus as a single contiguous sheet. The distal edge of the pronator quadratus is elevated from the wrist capsule by sharp dissection. The radial artery is protected by the retracted tissue. Repair of the brachio-radialis tendon and insertion fascia is much more robust than that of the pronator quadratus covering the entire plate. Since 2004, the senior author has used the pronator quadratus sparing approach for volar plating of the distal radius, in 183 cases. At last follow-up there were no instances of flexor tendon injury, which was considered to be one of the outcome measures and end-points. There was no impingement in the first dorsal compartment, except in two cases of lateral pillar hardware impingement from additional lateral pillar plate fixation through the same approach. Nine cases had minor persistent superficial radial nerve parasthesia. One case had a superficial wound infection requiring drainage. The repaired pronator quadratus formed a barrier protecting the plate. The infection was aggressively treated and the plate left in situ for three months till fracture union. Cultures from the retrieved plate showed no organisms. Another implant had two of the locking screws back out. The pronator quadratus fascia was tented with an underlying haematoma. The fascia however only showed minimum screw penetration and no flexor tendon injury. Average wrist dorsiflexion was 72 deg and palmar flexion 65 deg. Average pronation was 81 deg and average supination 69 deg. Supination range was slow to recover in younger patients. One explanation could be the tight pronator quadratus repair. Average PRWE and DASH scores were 19. The quadratus sparing approach to the volar distal radius is easy to perform and protects the flexor tendons at the wrist. Cases demonstrated that an intact pronator quadratus can act as an effective barrier to prominent hardware and superficial infection. Supination range may be reduced by this approach due to a tight repair, though a palmar DRUJ capsule contracture may also be an explanation

This is largest collection of outcomes of distal biceps reconstruction in the literature. 8 subjects prospectively measured pre and post reconstruction Strength deficit in patients with chronic tendon deficit is described. To describe outcomes for 53 chronic distal biceps reconstructions with tendon graft. Clinical outcomes as well as strength and endurance in supination and flexion are reported. To examine eight patients measured pre- and post-reconstruction. To identify deficit in supination and flexion in chronic reconstruction. 53 reconstructions of chronic distal biceps with tendon graft were carried out between 1999 and 2015. 26 subjects agreed to undergo strength testing after minimum one year follow up. Eight subjects were tested both before and after reconstruction. Primary outcomes were strength in elbow flexion and forearm supination. Strength testing of supination and flexion included maximum isokinetic power and endurance performed on a Biodex. Clinical outcomes measures included pre-operative retraction severity, surgical fixation technique, postoperative contour, range of motion, subjective satisfaction, SF-12, DASH, MAYO elbow score, ASES and pain VAS Non-parametric data was reported as median (interquartile range), while normally-distributed data was reported as mean with 95% Confidence Limits. Hypothesis testing was performed according to two-tailed, paired t-tests. Median time from index rupture to reconstructions 9.5 (range 3–108) months. Strength measurements were completed at a median follow-up time of 29 (range 12–137) months on 26 subjects. The proportion of patients that achieved 90% strength of the contralateral limb post-reconstruction was 65% (17/26) for peak supination torque, and 62% (16/26) for peak flexion torque. Supination and flexion endurance was 90% of the contralateral arm in 81% (21/26) and 65% (17/26) of subjects, respectively. Ten subjects (39%) achieved 90% strength of the contralateral arm on at least four of five strength tests. Eight of the 26 patients were evaluated pre- and post-surgery. As compared to the contralateral limb, chronic distal biceps rupture was found to have a mean [95%CI] deficit in peak supination torque of 31.0 [21.0, 42.9]% (p=0.002). Mean deficit in peak flexion torque of 34.2 [23.1, 45.4]% (p <0.001). Reconstruction resulted in an increase in peak supination torque of 33.5 [8.7, 58.3]% (p=0.0162), increase in peak flexion torque of 35.0 [6.4, 63.6]% (p=0.023), increase in isometric strength of 57.6 [36.1, 79.1]% (p<0.001), increase in supination endurance of 0.6 [-22.2, 23.4]% (p=0.668), and a decrease in flexion endurance of 4.8 [-23.3, 13.7](p=0.478). Ninety-six percent of the patients (25/26) were satisfied, or very satisfied with the overall outcome of the surgery, while median Mayo score post-reconstruction was 100 (range: 55–100). Chronic distal biceps tendon rupture results in less supination loss and greater flexion loss than previously reported. Reconstruction with tendon graft results in a significant, but incomplete recovery of peak supination and flexion torque, but no significant change in endurance. Clinical patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes is high

The radius has a sagittal and coronal bow. Fractures are often treated with volar anterior plating. However, the sagittal bow is often overlooked when plating. This study looks at radial morphology and the effect of plating the proximal radius, with straight plates then contoured plates bowed in the sagittal plane. We report our findings and their effect on forearm rotation. Morphology was investigated using fourteen radii. Attention was made to the proximal shaft of the radius and its sagittal bow, from this 6, 7 and 8 hole plates were contoured to fit this bow. A simple transverse fracture was then made at the apex of this bow. Supination and pronation was then compared when plating with a straight plate and a contoured plate. Ten cadavers had the ulna plating at the same level. The effect on rotation of fractures plated in the distal third shaft was also measured. A significant reduction in rotation was found, when a proximal radius fracture was plated with straight plate compared to a contoured plate: 10.8, 12.8, 21.7 degrees (p<0.05 for 6, 7, 8 hole plates). Forearm rotation was decreased further when a longer plate was used. Ulna or distal shaft plating did not reduce rotation. This study has shown a significant sagittal bow of the proximal shaft of the radius. Plating this with contoured plates in the sagittal plane improves rotation when compared to straight plates. Additional ulna plating is not a source of reduced forearm rotation

Introduction. Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence amongst all footballers. The aim of this study was to establish the frequency and variation of foot and ankle injuries within one English Premier League (EPL) professional football club over the course of a season and attempt to identify any factors associated with the injuries. Method. Data was collected prospectively for all foot and ankle injuries suffered by first team players over the 2008–09 and 2009–10 EPL season at one EPL club. Each player's demographics were recorded along with various factors concerning or influencing the injury including ground conditions, foot posture index score (FPIS), type of injury, ability to continue playing, recovery time, mechanism of injury and footwear type. Results. The most common injury was 5th metatarsal fracture seen in 33%. Lateral ligament sprain was seen in 28% and syndesmosis injury in 17%. The mean recovery time following 5th metatarsal fractures was 76 days. 67% of all injuries (100% of 5th metatarsal fractures) were sustained while wearing blade footwear, 17% wearing the more traditional studded footwear. Supination was the most common FPIS, present in 43%. 56% of injuries were in the dominant (kicking) side while 50% of injuries were sustained in the tackle. There were no ankle fractures observed. Conclusion. 5th metatarsal fractures are the most common foot & ankle injury amongst professional footballers, ankle fractures are relatively rare in comparison. Injuries occur more frequently with blade footwear, with supination being the most common foot posture at the time of injury

The aim of management of an adult distal humeral fracture is to restore mobility, stability and pain-free elbow function. Good results are usually achieved in the majority of fractures treated with ORIF, but the management of comminuted fractures in elderly, frail patients with osteoporotic bone remains controversial. The literature focuses on elbow replacement if stable internal fixation cannot be achieved, with “bag-of-bones” management now rarely discussed eg. key-note paper - 10 successful cases reported by Brown RF & Morgan RG in 1971 (JBJS 53-B(3):425-428). We present the experience in two units in which conservative management has been actively adopted in selected cases by consultants with a subspecialty interest in the elbow. All patients over the age of 60 with distal humeral fractures (2007 – 2009) who had been treated conservatively were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Duration of follow-up and outcome, including the Oxford and quick DASH scores, were recorded, with the fractures classified using the AO system. There were 25 patients, 19 female and 6 male. 19/25 patients have been successfully treated conservatively with a mean Range Of Movement: Extension/Flexion: 45/125, Pronation/Supination 74/70. Only 5 underwent subsequent total elbow replacement and one delayed ORIF. There is a significant complication rate following surgical treatment with ORIF or elbow replacement in elderly, frail patients, including infection, painful non-union and/or stiffness. We believe that there is a role for initial conservative treatment in selected patients with low, displaced, comminuted humeral fractures in osteoporotic bone. Initial early mobilisation as pain allows can give good functional results without the risks of operation. It does not preclude future surgery if conservative treatment fails, but this is not required in the majority of cases

Aims

To systematically review the efficacy of split tendon transfer surgery on gait-related outcomes for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic equinovarus foot deformity.

In this study we reviewed all Total Elbow Replacements (TER) done in our hospital over eight years period (1997 – 2005), 21 patients (16 females, 5 males) were available for follow up and four were lost (two died and two moved out of the region) with average age of 65 years (range 44 – 77), all procedures were done by two upper limb surgeons (CHB & RGW). 16 patients (14 females, 2 males) had the procedure for Rheumatoid Arthritis and 5 patients (3 males, 2 females) undergone the procedure for post-traumatic arthritis. The average follow up was 61 months (range 12 – 120 months), the Mayo Clinic performance index, the DASH scores and activities of daily living (adopted from Secec Elbow Score) assessment tools were used. In addition, all patients were assessed for loosening using standard AP and lateral radiographs. Sixteen patients had Souter-Starthclyde prosthesis whilst three had Kudo and two had Conrad-Moorey prosthesis. All procedures were done through dorsal approach and all were cemented, the ulnar nerve was not transposed in any of the cases. The average elbow extension lag was 27 degrees (range 15 – 35) with flexion up to 130 degrees (range 110 – 140). Supination was 65 degrees (range 15 – 90) and pronation was 77 (range 55 – 90). The average DASH score was 51.3 (range 19 – 95), the Mayo elbow score was 82 (range 55 – 100) and the average Activities of daily living Secec Score was 17 (range 10 – 20). There were four complications, three ulnar nerve paresis which recovered and one wound complication which needed a flap cover. Two needed revision surgery, one for a periprosthetic fracture and one for loosening. Two patients showed radiological signs of loosening but were asymptomatic. The survival rate with revision as the end point is 95% for aseptic loosening and 90% for any other reason. Our study proves TER has good medium term results with good functional outcome and high patient satisfaction rate

In this study we reviewed all Total Elbow Replacements (TER) done in our hospital over eight years period (1997 – 2005), 21 patients (16 females, 5 males) were available for follow up and four were lost (two died and two moved out of the region) with average age of 65 years (range 44 – 77), all procedures were done by two upper limb surgeons (CHB & RGW). 16 patients (14 females, 2 males) had the procedure for Rheumatoid Arthritis and 5 patients (3 males, 2 females) undergone the procedure for post-traumatic arthritis. The average follow up was 61 months (range 12 – 120 months), the Mayo Clinic performance index, the DASH scores and activities of daily living (adopted from Secec Elbow Score) assessment tools were used. In addition, all patients were assessed for loosening using standard AP and lateral radiographs. Sixteen patients had Souter-Starthclyde prosthesis whilst three had Kudo and two had Conrad-Moorey prosthesis. All procedures were done through dorsal approach and all were cemented, the ulnar nerve was not transposed in any of the cases. The average elbow extension lag was 27 degrees (range 15 – 35) with flexion up to 130 degrees (range 110 – 140). Supination was 65 degrees (range 15 – 90) and pronation was 77 (range 55 – 90). The average DASH score was 51.3 (range 19 – 95), the Mayo elbow score was 82 (range 55 – 100) and the average Activities of daily living Secec Score was 17 (range 10 – 20). There were four complications, three ulnar nerve paresis which recovered and one wound complication which needed a flap cover. Two needed revision surgery, one for a periprosthetic fracture and one for loosening. Two patients showed radiological signs of loosening but were asymptomatic. The survival rate with revision as the end point is 95% for aseptic loosening and 90% for any other reason. Our study proves TER has good medium term results with good functional outcome and high patient satisfaction rate

Aims

It is not clear which type of casting provides the best initial treatment in adults with a distal radial fracture. Given that between 32% and 64% of adequately reduced fractures redisplace during immobilization in a cast, preventing redisplacement and a disabling malunion or secondary surgery is an aim of treatment. In this study, we investigated whether circumferential casting leads to fewer fracture redisplacements and better one-year outcomes compared to plaster splinting.

Aims

There are concerns regarding complications and longevity of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) in young patients, and the few previous publications are mainly limited to reports on linked elbow devices. We investigated the clinical outcome of unlinked TEA for patients aged less than 50 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Where reconstruction is deemed impossible, excision of the radial head has been the mainstay of treatment for shattered radial head and neck fractures. While some patients seem to do well after the procedure, some develop progressive instability and pain because of proximal translocation of the radius. We looked at a new procedure in which a metal radial head is inserted to provide greater stability after the excision. Historically silicone prostheses have been used, but these were found to fail dramatically after a time. We recruited 11 patients requiring radial head replacements. Their ages ranged from 26 to 54 years. In five patients the dominant arm was affected. The radial head was deemed non-reconstructable in all patients, and the alternative method of treatment would have been radial head excision. In one patient, radial head replacement was performed 14 years after previous radial head excision. A standardised procedure was performed, replacing the radial head with an Evolve modular radial head prosthesis. At follow-up, we assessed patient satisfaction, range of movement, overall stability of the prostheses, grip strength and return to full activity. The postoperative range of movement was assessed at three and six weeks, and the outcome in terms of mobility at six months. Supination ranged between 40( and 90( and pronation between 40( and 85(. Elbow extension ranged between -5( and -30 and flexion between 100( and 150(. We concede that the follow-up period has been short, but early results suggest that radial head replacement may be a good option in patients in whom radial head reconstruction is not possible

Aims: In the present study we reviewed 105 patients who had had Galeazzi fractures with particular emphasis on classiþcation (þve types according to the fracture patterns), treatment, and þnal results. Methods: One hundred and þve cases (75 males and 30 females) were included in this study. Most of the fractures (70 cases) occurred in the distal third of radial shaft (Type I). Seventeen fractures were in the middle third (Type II), and 11 fractures were in the proximal third of the shaft of the radius (Type III). In four cases disruption of the distal radio-ulnar joint associated with fractures of both bones (Type IV). Finally three cases considered as Galeazzi-equivalent lesions (Type V). Results: The mean follow-up time was 7 years. The overall results were good in 81% of the patients, fair in 14% and poor in the 5% of the patients. Union achieved in 102 cases and non union in three cases (two had had primary conservative treatment and one case was treated surgically). Supination ranged from 40 to 90 degrees (average 77.5 degrees), and pronation from 50 to 90 degrees (average 81.6 degrees). Conclusions: The Galeazzi fracture is uncommon injury with an incidence varying from 3% to 6% of all forearm fractures. The key to satisfactory results in the treatment of the Galeazzi lesion is anatomic restoration of the length of the radius, with application of rigid internal þxation to maintain the reduction. Although most of the reports do not recommend exposing the distal radioulnar joint, we suggest that once the anatomic reduction is secured, anteroposterior and true lateral x-rays planes to control the distal radioulnar joint

Displaced comminuted intra-and extra-articular fractures of distal radius require anatomical reduction for optimum results. To assess clinical, functional and radiological results of volar-ulnar tension band plating of dorsally displaced comminuted fractures of distal radius, we used volar-ulnar tension band plating technique (without bone grafting) and early mobilisation to treat dorsally displaced and comminuted fractures of distal radius in 47 patients with an average age of 48 years (range, 19–76 years). Volar tilt, radial height, ulnar inclination and volar cortical angles were measured on the unaffected side. AO volar plate was pre-contoured to match the volar cortical angle of the unaffected side. The horizontal arm of the plate was fixed to the distal fragment first. When the longitudinal arm of the plate was brought onto the radial shaft, the displaced distal fragment was levered out anteriorly to restore the normal volar tilt. Adjustment in ulnar inclination and radial height can be made by medio-lateral and cephalo-caudal movement of the longitudinal arm of the plate. The average follow-up was 26 months (range 12–41 months). According to Gartland and Werley’s system 25 patients had excellent, 15 had good, 7 had fair functional results. The median Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 10 (range 0–60). Average grip strength as percentage of the unaffected side was 80 %. Average Palmarflexion was 61 degrees, Dorsiflexion 66 degrees, Ulnar deviation 34 degrees, Radial deviation 19 degrees, Supination 74 degrees and Pronation 80 degrees. According to Lidstrom and Frykman’s radiological scoring system 39 patients had excellent and 8 had good anatomical results. Conclusion: This relatively new technique has given good results in majority of patients. We recommend its use in displaced and comminuted fractures of distal radius in physiologically young patients with high need and demand