This study aims to compare the outcomes of Volar locking plating (VLP) versus percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wire) fixation for surgical management of distal radius fractures. We systematically searched multiple databases, including MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes of VLP fixation and K-wire for treatment of distal radius fracture in adults. The methodological quality of each study was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Patient-reported outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications at 1 year follow up were evaluated. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models and results presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). 13 RCTs with 1336 participants met the inclusion criteria. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were significantly better for VLP fixation (MD= 2.15; 95% CI, 0.56-3.74; P = 0.01; I2=23%). No significant difference between the two procedures for grip strength measured in kilograms (MD= −3.84; 95% CI,-8.42-0.74; P = 0.10; I2=52%) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores (MD= −0.06; 95% CI,-0.87-0.75; P = 0.89; I2=0%). K-wire treatment yielded significantly improved extension (MD= −4.30; P=0.04) but with no differences in flexion, pronation, supination, and radial deviation (P >0.05). The risk of complications and rate of reoperation were similar for the two procedures (P >0.05). This meta-analysis suggests that VLP fixation improves DASH score at 12 months follow up, however, the difference is small and unlikely to be clinically important. Existing literature does not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the superiority of either VLP or K-wire treatment in terms of patient-reported outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications.
An isolated avulsion fracture of the peroneus longus tendon is seldom seen and potentially can go undiagnosed using basic imaging methods during an initial emergency visit. If not managed appropriately it can lead to chronic pain, a reduced range of motions and eventually affect mobility. This article brings to light the effectiveness of managing such injuries conservatively. A 55 year old postman presented to clinic with pain over the instep of his right foot for 2 months with no history of trauma. Clinically the pain was confined to the right first metatarsophalangeal joint with occasional radiation to the calf. X-ray films did not detect any obvious bony injury. MR imaging revealed an ununited avulsion fracture of the base of the 1st metatarsal. The patient was subsequently injected with a mix of steroid and local anesthetic injections at the painful nonunion site under fluoroscopic guidance. Post procedure there was no neurovascular deficit. The patient was reviewed at three months and his pain score and functional outcome improved significantly. Moreover following our intervention, the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire reduced from 33 to 0. At the one year follow up he remained asymptomatic and was discharged. The peroneus longus tendon plays a role in eversion and planter flexion of foot along with providing stabilization to arches of foot. The pattern of injury to this tendon is based on two factors one is the mechanism of insult, if injured, and second is the variation in the insertion pattern of peroneus longus tendon itself. There is no gold standard treatments by which these injuries can be managed. If conservative management fails we must also consider surgery which involves
Background. Distal radius fractures are common injuries but no clear consensus regarding optimal management of unstable fractures exists. Open reduction and internal fixation with volar plates is an increasingly popular but the associated complication rate can be 10%. Intramedullary nails are an alternative offering the potential advantages of reduced risk of tendon injury and intra-articular screw penetration. This article systematically reviews the published literature evaluating the biomechanics, outcomes and complications of intramedullary nails in the management of distal radius fractures. Methods. A systematic review of Medline and EMBASE databases was performed for studies reporting the biomechanics, functional outcome or complications following intramedullary nailing of distal radius fractures. Critical appraisal was performed with respect to validated quality assessment scales. Results. 16 studies were included for review. The biomechanical studies concluded that intramedullary nails had at least comparable strength to locking plates. The clinical studies reported that IM nailing was associated with comparable ROM, functional outcome and grip strength to alternative fixation techniques. However, the mean complication rate was 17.6% (range 0 to 50%) with the most common complication being neurapraxia of the superficial radial nerve in 9.5%. Conclusion. This systematic review of pooled data from published series has shown that IM nailing can give comparable clinical results to current treatment modalities in extra-articular and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. However the evidence is insufficient to determine whether IM nailing has any clinically important advantage over well-established alternatives. The complication rate reported is higher than that in contemporary studies for volar plating and this raises concerns about the role of this technique particularly when comparative studies have failed to show any major advantage to its use. Further adequately powered RCTs comparing the technique to both volar plates and
