Treatment of fractures of the distal radius with a remodellable bone cement: a prospective, randomised study using Norian SRS

We performed a prospective, randomised study on 110 patients more than 50 years old with fractures of the distal radius to compare the outcome of conservative treatment with that using remodellable bone cement (Norian skeletal repair system, SRS) and immobilisation in a cast for two weeks. Patients treated with SRS had less pain and earlier restoration of movement and grip strength. The results at one year were satisfactory in 81.54% of the SRS patients and 55.55% of the control group. The rates of malunion were 18.2% and 41.8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the functional and radiological results. Soft-tissue extrusion was present initially in 69.1% of the SRS patients; most deposits disappeared progressively, but persisted in 32.73% at one year. We conclude that the injection of a remodellable bone cement into the trabecular defect of fractures of the distal radius provides a better clinical and radiological result than conventional treatment.

Clodronate increases mineralization of callus after Colles' fracture: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial in 32 patients

In a randomized study of 32 postmenopausal women with a Colles' fracture, we studied whether 8 weeks of treatment with clodronate, a bisphosphonate, could prevent posttraumatic osteopenia. The patients were treated with a plaster splint for 4 weeks. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the forearm bones was measured at 2 levels with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) 2, 6 and 12 months after the fracture. At 2 months, in the clodronate group, there was a median 53% higher BMD in the fracture region of the radius than in the uninjured radius. In the placebo group, we found a 33% higher BMD in the fractured radius at that level than in the uninjured radius. This increase in BMD of the fractured radius, caused by clodronate, was statistically significant. At 12 months, the BMD of the fracture side had been reduced by 17% and 12%, respectively, at that time it was still significantly increased in the clodronate group alone. In the ulna at the same level, we found no significant changes in BMD in either group on either side at any time. At 2 months, at the level between the distal and middle thirds, in the fractured radius, the median BMD was 7% lower in the clodronate group and 6% lower in the placebo group than in the uninjured radius. Although the reduction in BMD at that level was significant, there was no difference between the two treatment groups. At this level, the ulna on the fractured side showed a similar pattern, with a 5% lower BMD in the clodronate group and a 4% lower BMD in the placebo group. This osteopenia showed a small but significant progression on the fractured side after 6 and 12 months.

Outcome following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in low-demand patients older than 60 years

Twenty-five sedentary, low-demand patients older than 60 years were retrospectively evaluated for function and radiographic results following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures. The mean age was 72 years and the average follow-up period was 34 months. All patients had radiographic and functional evaluations. The radiographic assessment included a scoring system based on measurements of the final dorsal angle, loss of radial length, and the final radial inclination. The development of radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint arthrosis was also investigated. The functional assessment included subjective and objective criteria. Overall satisfaction, ability to return to previous activity level or occupation, concern over wrist appearance, and a functional task questionnaire were part of the subjective assessment. Objective assessment included neuromuscular evaluation and measurements of range of motion and grip strength. The final radiographic scores revealed that 6 patients (24%) had excellent results, 11 (44%) had good results, 2 (8%) had fair results, and 6 (24%) had poor results. Six of 10 patients with intra-articular fractures developed progressive wrist arthrosis. Two of 6 patients with radiographic arthrosis had unsatisfactory functional outcome. Five of 8 patients with intra-articular fractures that healed with a residual stepoff >/=2 mm had satisfactory functional outcome; 3 of these 8 patients had unsatisfactory functional outcome. The functional assessment revealed that 22 patients (88%) had excellent or good results and 3 (12%) had fair or poor results. The radiographic outcome did not correlate with the functional outcome. Twenty-three of 25 patients (92%) were satisfied with the overall outcome of the treatment and 22 (88%) were able to return to their previous activity level or occupation. Despite an obvious clinical deformity in over half of the patients, none were unhappy with the clinical appearance of the wrist. According to the functional task questionnaire, jar opening was by far the most difficult task to perform after fracture healing. Functional outcome was satisfactory in most cases; a high level of personal satisfaction and return to previous activity level was observed, regardless of the radiographic result. Nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures yields satisfactory outcome, especially in those with low functional demands. It also is indicated in poor operative candidates. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:19-28.

Role of metaphyseal cancellous bone defect size in secondary displacement in Colles' fracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the metaphyseal cancellous bone defect size in secondary dislocation of Colles' fracture. Thirty-five patients with a dislocated Colles' fracture were examined by computed tomography (CT) for metaphyseal bone defects. The size of the defect was assessed and related to the surface area of the cross-section of the distal radius at the site of the defect. The relative size of the defect correlated with the severity of dorsal angulation of the fracture but not with the shortening of the radius seen after cast immobilization. We concluded that secondary displacement of the distal radius is partly mediated through the metaphyseal cancellous bone defect, and to prevent malunion in dorsal angulation, operative treatment or possibly filling of the defect should be considered even as early as during primary reduction if a large defect is suspected.

Algodystrophy and its association with Dupuytren's disease

Seventy-two patients were examined 9 weeks after sustaining a Colles' fracture of the wrist for evidence of algodystrophy. They were examined 18 months later for evidence of Dupuytren's disease to determine the incidence of the association between the two conditions. Forty-one per cent of all patients had evidence of Dupuytren's disease at 18 months following Colles' fracture. Sixty-seven per cent of patients with algodystrophy had evidence of Dupuytren's disease compared with 19% of patients who showed no features of algodystrophy.

Intra-articular fractures of the distal aspect of the radius

Intra-articular distal radius fractures are a heterogeneous group of injuries with different fracture patterns. The existing classification systems are helpful for describing the fractures but not for assessing their stability or for deciding which surgical approach to use. Patients who have a fracture with at least 1.0 mm of displacement of the articular surface may benefit from open surgical treatment. Improved diagnostic imaging with CT is helpful for fracture classification and surgical planning. The options for surgical treatment include limited open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopically assisted internal fixation, and open reduction and internal fixation. The surgical approach is determined on the basis of the initial displacement of the fracture. Patients who have a displaced fracture of the volar rim may benefit from a volar approach; those who have a dorsally displaced fracture, from a dorsal approach; and those who have an impacted fracture such as a die-punch fracture, from a dorsal approach that provides better visualization of the articular surface. The long-term functional outcome is determined in part by the severity of the fracture as defined by the amount of comminution, the initial severity of displacement, and the number of fracture fragments. The accuracy of the reconstruction of the articular surface, with the goal of establishing congruency to within 1.0 mm, is also important in order to minimize the risk of late osteoarthrosis. Of all of the extra-articular parameters, restoration of the length of the radius is the most important for enhancing recovery of motion and grip strength and for preventing problems involving the distal radioulnar joint--the so-called forgotten joint in distal radial fractures.

Norian SRS versus external fixation in redisplaced distal radial fractures. A randomized study in 40 patients

We compared Norian SRS, an injectable calcium phosphate bone cement, with external fixation in the treatment of redisplaced distal radial fractures by a prospective randomized study in 40 patients (women 50-80 years or men 60-80 years). After rereduction, the fracture was either stabilized by injection of SRS and immobilized with a cast for 2 weeks, or externally fixed with Hoffman's bar for 5 weeks. Each patient was evaluated at 2, 5, 7 weeks and at 3, 6 and 12 months. Functional parameters were grip strength, range of motion and pain. Radiographic parameters were radial angle, ulnar variance and dorsal tilt. The chosen primary effect variable was grip strength at 7 weeks. Patients treated by injection of SRS apatite had better grip strength, wrist extension and forearm supination at 7 weeks. There was no difference in functional parameters at 3 months or later. None of the methods could fully stabilize the fracture: radiographs showed a progressive redislocation over time. The results indicate that SRS can be used in the treatment of unstable distal radial fractures. The more rapid recovery of grip strength and wrist mobility in the SRS group appears to be due to the shorter immobilization time.

Manipulative management of post-Colles' fracture weakness and diminished active range of motion

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the management of a patient with wrist weakness and a diminution in active range of motion resulting from Colles' fracture.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 58-year-old woman complained of persistent loss of grip strength and mobility in her right wrist. These complaints were from Colles' fracture occurring 19 months before initiation of care. Dynamometer and goniometric testing revealed significant loss of grip strength and range of motion compared with the uninvolved, nondominant wrist.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

Specific joint manipulation for improvement in mobility and grip strength of the wrist was performed. The patient's right wrist was evaluated for grip strength and active range of motion over a 3-week period, providing a baseline of function before treatment. After 4 visits of baseline measurements, a series of 4 treatments and 4 reevaluations was performed. The patient exhibited a significant increase in grip strength and active range of motion.

CONCLUSION

Appropriate intervention of chiropractic manipulation and examination procedures culminated in a successful resolution of this case. When such cases are recognized, appropriate management may occur conservatively with judicious application of joint manipulation and reevaluation procedures.

The clinical importance of carpal instabilities following distal radial fractures

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the clinical importance of the different carpal instabilities following dorsally displaced distal radial fractures (Colles' type). All patients were followed for 1 year and a Cooney score and X-ray evaluation were done. Nine different carpal instabilities were evaluated. Only dissociative DISI and ulnar translocation showed significant clinical differences at 1 year follow-up. It is therefore recommended that a dissociative DISI, usually caused by scapholunate dissociation, should be treated by percutaneous pinning at the time of the initial treatment.

Osteoporosis in Colles fracture

Previous studies of bone density in patients with Colles fracture have been inconclusive. We measured bone density at the second metacarpal in 36 postmenopausal women with Colles fracture. The patients were found to have highly significant (P < 0.01) or significant (P < 0.05) differences in the parameters of bone density compared with controls matched for age. The results suggest that osteoporosis is of definite relevance to the etiology of Colles fracture in postmenopausal women.

AO and Frykman's classifications of Colles' fracture. No prognostic value in 652 patients evaluated after 5 years

We retrospectively assessed hand and forearm symptoms of 652 patients with a Colles' fracture, 5 years after the fracture, using a questionnaire. The contralateral forearm, which was free of major injuries or illnesses, was used as control. Forearm and hand symptoms were common and only one quarter of the fractured forearms were completely free of symptoms at the time of review, whereas four fifths of the control forearms had no symptoms. Nearly half of the patients complained of impairment in various activities and 8% had had to give up leisure activities or make special arrangements at work. Demographic, and most of the fracture-related factors, were not associated with the symptoms. Neither AO nor Frykman's radiographic classifications of the primary fracture were of any use for predicting the clinical outcome.

Attritional flexor tendon ruptures after a malunited intra-articular fracture of the distal radius

Rupture of the flexor tendon following Colles fracture is uncommon. In all reported cases it occurred as a complication of an extra-articular, displaced fracture of the distal radius. We report a case in which flexor tendon rupture occurred 30 years after a comminuted intra-articular fracture of the distal end of the radius. There have been no reports of delayed flexor tendon rupture after an intra-articular fracture of the distal radius in young adults.

Pouteau-Colles fracture: double-closed "basket-like" pinning according to Kapandji. Apropos of a homogeneous series of 70 cases

First described by Kapandji, the double closed "basket-like" pinning is a new and quite attractive treatment of the Colles' fracture. With or without XR TV, following closed reduction the epiphysis is fixed steady with two Kirschner wires, sliding along its lateral and its posterior aspects, entering the radius at the fracture site and transfixing the bone cortex above. Plaster cast is unnecessary, and wrist reeducation begins on the first day post-op. Technical "know-how" is specified, and seventy-two patients followed up. Present findings indicate that the complication rate is very low, excellent and good results are 83%. Rehabilitation is quicker, socio-economically gratifying. We believe that the method significantly improves the conservative treatment of Colles' fracture and decide to use it extensively from now on.

[Close injury of the tendon at wrist]

Because of the complicated causes and variable clinical signs, closed injury of tendons at wrist is difficult to diagnosis and treat. Twenty-six cases of tendon ruptur were reported. Among them, 11 cases were caused by bone fracture or dislocation, 8 cases were caused by rheumatoid synovitis, 5 cases were caused by synovial tuberculosis, and 2 cases caused by other. The pathogenesis and clinical signs were analyzed. Twenty-three cases were treated by tendon transfer and 3 cases were treated by tendon transplantation. By average follow-up of 16 months (ranged 6 months to 4 years), the results were as follows: the clip strength and both active and positive motion of fingers were restored in 19 caese, 75% of those were restored in 7 cases and 50% of those were restored in 2 cases. It was suggested that diagnosis, treatment and function rehabilitation should be carried out early, and tendon transfer or tendon transplatation were the method on priority.

Algodystrophy is an early complication of Colles' fracture. What are the implications?

One hundred patients who had sustained a Colles' fracture were observed for features of algodystrophy at 1, 5, 9 and 12 weeks following injury. The diagnosis of algodystrophy was possible as soon as 1 week after fracture. Early diagnosis has important clinical implications: the aetiological factors may become apparent and different treatment modalities be identified; furthermore, early treatment can be started, limiting the morbidity of the condition. It is proposed that patients with features of algodystrophy require physiotherapy after a Colles' fracture. Those without features may not.

Rupture of all finger flexor tendons 17 years after a colles fracture: a case report

A case with closed sequentional rupture of all flexor tendons of the fingers, 17 years after a Colles fracture is described. The repair with free tendon grafts resulted in a fair result.

Proximal neuropathy in Colles' fracture

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve injury at the wrist following Colles' fracture is rare and usually located in the region of the fracture. Mononeuropathies in the proximal forearm have not been reported.

METHOD

We present two patients with Colles' fracture with proximal forearm neuropathies.

RESULTS

Both cases were associated with mononeuropathies in the forearm as proximal as the elbow, involving the median, ulnar and radial nerves in one, and the median and ulnar nerves in the other.

CONCLUSION

Following Colles' fracture proximal nerve involvement may occur and, with increased awareness, this lesion may be identified more frequently.

Do we underestimate the predictive value of the ulnar styloid affection in Colles fractures?

Various radiographic factors have been suggested as predictively important when dealing with an unstable distal radius fracture. Accordingly, many classification systems have been established in order to give an accurate description of a fracture and to grade the seriousness of the injury. In this paper, we use the classification of Colles fractures introduced by Frykman to investigate the predictive value of a concomitant fracture of the ulnar styloid. We found styloid affection to be a better predictor of a poor outcome than intra-articularity, but the combination carries the worst prognosis. We therefore suggest that a fracture of the distal radius associated with those two types of injuries should be considered for surgical treatment.

Distal radioulnar joint injuries associated with fractures of the distal radius

The most common cause of residual wrist disability after fractures of the distal radius is the distal radioulnar joint. The 3 basic conditions that produce radioulnar pain and limitation of forearm rotation are instability, joint incongruency, and ulnocarpal abutment. The last 2 entities initiate irreversible cartilage damage that eventually leads to degenerative joint disease. Early recognition and management in the acute stage aim at the anatomic reconstruction of the distal radioulnar joint including bone, joint surfaces, and ligaments in an effort to reduce the incidence of painful sequelae and functional deficit. This article provides a description and the treatment options of the distal radioulnar joint lesions that occur in association with fractures of the distal radius, and the results obtained with open and arthroscopic techniques. Both acute and chronic disorders are analyzed, and a prognostic and treatment oriented classification is presented Furthermore, the pathoanatomy and management of chronic distal radioulnar joint derangement after fracture of the distal radius are reviewed briefly.

Intracarpal soft-tissue lesions associated with an intra-articular fracture of the distal end of the radius

Sixty patients who had a displaced intra-articular fracture of the distal end of the radius were managed with manipulative reduction and internal fixation performed under both fluoroscopic and arthroscopic guidance. According to the AO/ASIF classification system, seven fractures were type B1, two were type B2, three were type B3, thirteen were type C1, twelve were type C2, and twenty-three were type C3. Forty-one patients (68 per cent) had soft-tissue injuries of the wrist, including tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (twenty-six patients), the scapholunate interosseous ligament (nineteen), and the lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (nine). Thirteen patients had two soft-tissue injuries. Intracarpal soft-tissue injuries were identified most frequently in association with fractures involving the lunate facet of the distal articular surface or the radius.

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon

Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon after nondisplaced fracture of the distal radius is a known complication, but can also occur in nonrheumatoid patients without a history of fracture. This study is a retrospective analysis of seven patients treated between 1985 and 1992. Five EPL ruptures occurred with nondisplaced Colles' fractures. Two involved a chronic tenosynovitis of the second dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist. The age of the patients ranged from 29 years to 68 years (mean, 42 years). Length of follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 62 months (mean, 30 months). Rupture occurred at a median of 7 weeks (range, 2 weeks to 11 months) from the time of the distal radius fracture. Three extensor indicis proprius tendons and four free palmaris longus tendon grafts were performed. At final follow-up, six patients had an extensor lag < 10 degrees or normal thumb interphalangeal joint motion. One patient had a 25 degrees extensor lag. The causes of EPL rupture include mechanical irritation, attrition, and vascular impairment leading to delayed rupture. Synovitis of the extensor carpi radialis due to repetitive use may invade the EPL tendon and lead to rupture. Extensor indicis proprius transfer or free palmaris longus grafts yield good results after EPL rupture.

[Experimental study of Colles' fracture combined with dorsal radio-carpal subluxation]

By cutting different ligaments and the distal end of radius of 20 fresh specimens with radiophotographic records, the author explored the mechanism of formation and traumatic anatomy of Colles' fracture with dorsal radio-carpal subluxation (DRSA). The results of experimental studies indicate that under normal condition, the change of radiolunate angle has some influence on the displacement of central point of lunate (CPL) but does not lead to DRS. The first is the rupture of the dorsal and palmar ligaments of radiocarpal joint and the second is the fracture of distal end of radius with a reversed palmar tilting angle of articular surface of distal radius. To treat the patients of Colles' fracture with DRS the previous palmar tilting angle should be restored to the full, as well as the anatomic reduction. The fixatiion in neutral or light dorsal extension position should be recommended.

Reliability of different methods of determination of radial shortening. Influence of ulnar and palmar tilt

Assessment of the grade of deformity after fracture of the distal end of the radius demands and accurate method of determination of radial shortening. Radiographs of 50 patients with malunited Colles' fractures were analyzed in order to find the method which is least affected by changes in ulnar and palmar tilt. Two new landmarks, the centre-point in the distal articular surface of the radius and the capitate vertex, are introduced as possible new landmarks for radial shortening determination. Results derived from commonly used methods and the new method are compared and analyzed. These show that radial shortening measured according to the commonly used landmarks is greatly affected by changes in ulnar and palmar tilt, leading to errors. Shortening measured by the two new landmarks gives results that are less influenced by rotation of the distal fragment in the frontal and sagittal planes.