Distal radius fracture fixation with a volar locking plate and endoscopic carpal tunnel release using a single 15mm approach: Feasibility study

Chronic post-traumatic pain: rheumatological and orthopedic aspects

Trauma causes a complex local and systemic reaction of the macroorganism, the consequences of which can be various functional, neurological and psychoemotional disorders. One of the most painful complications of injuries of the musculoskeletal system is chronic post-traumatic pain (CPTP), which occurs, depending on the severity of the damage, in 10–50% of cases. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is multifactorial and includes the development of chronic inflammation, degenerative changes (fibrosis, angiogenesis, heterotopic ossification), pathology of the muscular and nervous systems, neuroplastic changes leading to the development of central sensitization, as well as depression, anxiety and catastrophization. Risk factors for CPTP should be considered the severity of injury, comorbid diseases and conditions (in particular, obesity), stress and serious trauma-related experiences (within the framework of post-traumatic stress disorder), the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and chronic tendopathy, genetic predisposition, deficiencies in treatment and rehabilitation in the early period after injury. To date, there is no clear system of prevention and treatment of CPTP. Considering the pathogenesis of this suffering, adequate anesthesia after injury, active anti–inflammatory therapy (including local injections of glucocorticoids), the use of hyaluronic acid, slow-acting symptomatic agents and autologous cellular preparations – platelet-riched plasma, mesenchymal stem cells, etc. are of fundamental importance. However, therapeutic and surgical methods of CPTP control require further study

Surgical Technique for Concurrent Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release and Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Using the Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach: A Case Series

Purpose

Multiple prior studies have assessed the results of open approaches for concurrent carpal tunnel release with distal radius fracture fixation; however, less is known regarding the feasibility of endoscopic techniques, especially in the setting of high-energy trauma. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and results of concurrent endoscopic carpal tunnel release and distal radius fracture fixation using the flexor carpi radialis approach after high- and low-energy trauma.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single-surgeon study of 17 consecutive adult patients (aged >18 years) who underwent open reduction internal fixation of an acute distal radius fracture with concurrent endoscopic carpal tunnel release at a level 1 trauma center between April 2017 and October 2020. Recovery from median nerve dysfunction was assessed from patient charts at routinely scheduled postoperative follow-up visits (at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks).

Results

The transverse carpal ligament could be visualized and released in all patients. All patients had a return of light touch sensibility with or without intermittent paresthesia by 12 weeks after surgery (the median time from surgery to recovery was 19 days [range, 12–82 days]). There were no patient reports or clinical examination evidence of palmar cutaneous branch, recurrent motor branch, or the third common digital nerve injury. Time to recovery was significantly different in the setting of high- versus low-energy trauma (26 days vs 18 days, respectively; P = .02).

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrated that concurrent endoscopic carpal tunnel release using the flexor carpi radialis approach for distal radius fracture fixation in the settings of high- and low-energy trauma is safe from major complications and effective at releasing the transverse carpal ligament.

Type of study/level of evidence

Therapeutic IV.

Functional Outcomes in Volar-Displaced Distal Radius Fractures Patients with Marginal Rim Fragment Treated by Volar Distal Locking Plates

Background Treatment of volar-displaced distal radius fractures (DRF) accompanied by marginal rim fragment has recently been actively discussed. It is difficult to obtain a sufficient buttress effect on this fragment. Therefore, we actively apply a distal volar locking plate (DVLP) to fractures with this fragment. Here, we report the treatment outcomes and caveats of surgery of fractures with this fragment. Materials and Methods The subjects were 32 patients (male: 11, female: 21, and mean age: 59.4 years) with volar dislocated DRF accompanied by the marginal rim fragment treated using DVLP. The fracture type of AO classification was B3 in 6 patients, C1 in 12, C2 in 6, and C3 in 8. Results The mean duration of follow-up was 13.8 (12-30) months. The plate could be covered with the pronator quadratus muscle in surgery in all patients. On the final follow-up, visual analog scale score was 1.4/10, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 9.2/100, and the Mayo wrist score was 93.7/100. No complication was observed in the soft tissue, such as the nerves and flexor tendons. Conclusion The factor determining retention of the reduction position of the marginal rim fragment is a sufficient buttress effect, and DVLP is a useful implant in terms of this point.