Corrective Osteotomy with Volar and Dorsal Fixation for Malunion of Intra-Articular Fracture of the Distal Radius: A Retrospective Study

Functional outcome of 2-D- and 3-D-guided corrective forearm osteotomies: a systematic review

We performed a systematic review to compare conventional (2-D) versus 3-D-guided corrective osteotomies regarding intraoperative results, patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, incidence of complications and pain score. PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched, and 53 articles were included, reporting 1257 patients undergoing forearm corrective osteotomies between 2010 and 2022. 3-D-guided surgery resulted in a greater improvement in median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (28, SD 7 vs. 35, SD 5) and fewer complications (12% vs. 6%). Pain scores and range of motion were similar between 3-D-guided and conventional surgery. 3-D-guided corrective osteotomy surgery appears to improve patient-reported outcomes and reduce complications compared to conventional methods. However, due to the limited number of comparative studies and the heterogeneity of the studies, a large randomized controlled trial is needed to draw definitive conclusions.Level of evidence: III.

Teardrop Alignment Changes After Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures With Volar Ulnar Fragments

BACKGROUND

We assessed factors associated with change in radiographic teardrop angle following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of volarly displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures with volar ulnar fragments (VUF) within the ICUC database. The primary outcome was change in radiographic alignment on follow-up imaging, defined as a change in teardrop angle from intra-operative fluoroscopy greater than 5°.

METHODS

Patients with distal radius fractures treated with a VLP within the ICUC database, an international collaborative and publicly available dataset, were identified. The primary outcome was volar rim loss of reduction on follow-up imaging, defined as a change in radiographic alignment from intra-operative fluoroscopy, teardrop angle less than 50°, or loss of normal radiocarpal alignment. Secondary outcomes were final range of motion (ROM) of the affected extremity. Radiographic Soong classification was used to grade plate position. Descriptive statistics were used to assess variables' distributions. A Random Forest supervised machine learning algorithm was used to classify variable importance for predicting the primary outcome. Traditional descriptive statistics were used to compare patient, fracture, and treatment characteristics with volar rim loss of reduction. Volar rim loss of reduction and final ROM in degrees and as compared with contralateral unaffected limb were also assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with volarly displaced, intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with a VLP were identified. Six patients were observed to have a volar rim loss of reduction, but none required reoperation. Volar ulnar fragment size, Soong grade 0, and postfixation axial plate position in relation to the sigmoid notch were significantly associated (P < .05) with volar rim loss of reduction. All cases of volar rim loss of reduction occurred when VUF was 10.8 mm or less.

CONCLUSIONS

The size of the VUF was the most important variable for predicting volar rim loss of reduction followed by postfixation plate position in an axial position to the sigmoid notch and the number of volar fragments in the Random Forest machine learning algorithm. There were no significant differences in ROM between patients with volar ulnar escape and those without.

Managing the Intra-articular Distal Radius Malunion

Intra-articular malunion of the distal radius represents a difficult clinical problem. While not all patients require treatment, corrective osteotomy may significantly improve motion, grip strength, and patient-reported outcome measures. Meticulous planning and technical precision are required with the possible need for multiple surgical approaches and both volar and dorsal implants. Arthroscopic assistance may be used to visualize the joint and articular reduction. Custom 3-dimensional planning guides are helpful in addressing complex multiplanar deformities. Regardless, intervention may not change the natural history of these injuries and post-traumatic arthritis is to be expected.

Reconstructive Surgical Intervention for Malunited Distal End Radius and Ulna Fracture: A Case Report Demonstrating Improved Patient Outcomes

This case report explores the efficacy of reconstructive surgical intervention in addressing malunited fractures of the distal end of the radius and ulna. The study presents a detailed analysis of a specific case, highlighting the surgical techniques employed and their impact on patient outcomes. The report emphasizes the importance of precision in addressing malunited fractures and showcases how the intervention led to improved patient outcomes. By documenting this case, the study contributes valuable insights into the field of orthopedic surgery, providing a basis for further research and enhancing the understanding of optimal approaches to managing such complex fractures.

Locked Wire Fixator for a Distal Radius Fracture With Malunion: A Case Report

Surgical treatment for a distal radius fracture using a volar locking plate is difficult if the distal radius malunion remains. Therefore, a different surgical method from volar locking plate fixation should be required. We report the case of an 83-year-old woman with a left dorsal displaced distal radius fracture. However, the deformity of the volar cortex of the radius was recognized because of a previous distal radius fracture. Therefore, osteosynthesis with a locked wire fixator was performed. At 12 months after surgery, the patient has returned to daily activities without difficulty. A locked wire fixator can be useful for treating a distal radius fracture with malunion of the volar cortex of the distal radius.