Treatment of extra-articular and simple articular distal radial fractures with intramedullary nail versus volar locking plate

Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Fixation with Pre-Bent Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails for the Treatment of Distal Radius Metaphyseal Diaphysis Junction Fractures in Children

OBJECTIVE

Although mini-plate fixation is an attractive treatment option for distal radius metaphyseal diaphysis junction (DRMDJ) fractures in children, the benefits of minimally invasive fixation (MIF) with pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nails (MIF) remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of MIF administration in children with DRMDJ fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 40 patients with DRMDJ fractures who underwent MIF or mini-plate fixation from January 2016 to January 2021. Radiographic parameters, such as palmar inclination and ulnar deflection angle, were examined postoperatively to assess the anatomical reduction of the wrist joint. Clinical outcomes, including the range of wrist flexion and back extension, were examined to analyze the recovery of the wrist range of motion. Additionally, the Gartland-Werley scoring system was used to assess the recovery status of wrist function and healing condition. The student t-test and χ2 test were used to compare differences among groups.

RESULTS

All included patients successfully underwent the operation and were followed up for 12-24 months. Patients in the MIF group had a smaller surgical incision length (0.49 ± 0.06 cm) compared to those in the mini-plate fixation group (4.41 ± 0.73 cm) (t = 22.438, p = 0.000). Palmar inclination and ulnar deflection were within the normal range in patients of both groups, and the fractures were successfully anatomically reduced. Moreover, wrist flexion and back extension in the MIF group and mini-plate group were (72.50° ± 0.64° vs. 70.18° ± 0.56°) and (59.55° ± 1.75° vs. 60.04° ± 1.37°), and differences were statistically significant (t = 2.708, p = 0.010 and t = 0.885, p = 0.382, respectively). Furthermore, MIF treatment resulted in a higher proportion of excellent Gartland-Werley scores (94.44%) than mini-plate fixation (86.36%) (p = 0.390). In addition, one case in the mini-plate fixation group experienced re-fracture following the removal of the internal fixation, and the fracture healed after reduction and cast fixation. All patients achieved satisfactory bone healing without other complications.

CONCLUSION

Compared with mini-plate fixation, MIF has the advantages of small incision length, superior range of motion of thr wrist joint, and better maintenance of the physiological radian, providing a promising approach for clinical and surgical treatment of DRMDJ fractures.

Complications Following Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of postoperative complications following volar locking plate (VLP) fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs).

METHODS

A search using keywords and subject headings to represent the concepts of volar plating and radius fractures was generated. Databases such as MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) were searched from inception to November 24, 2021, for randomized controlled trials that reported complications following DRF treated with VLP. Inclusion criteria were studies with adult patients (aged ≥18 years) randomized to VLP fixation without other concomitant surgical interventions, with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. Study sample characteristics and post-surgical complications were extracted. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Of the 4,059 articles identified using the search strategy, 1,778 titles/abstracts and 856 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, of which 35 articles were included for data extraction. Overall, 1,419 patients with a DRF were randomized to VLP fixation. The mean age was 60.3 years. The overall complication rate was 30.8% following VLP fixation, with 12.4% being major complications. The most common complications were median nerve-related (7.1%) and hardware removal (6.8%), secondary to other complications. Tenosynovitis was the most common tendon-related complication (3.4%). Other complications included complex regional pain syndrome (2.4%), malunion (1.3%), superficial wound infections (1.9%), and tendon rupture (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

A meta-analysis of high-quality studies that discuss the complications after VLP fixation for DRF showed an overall complication rate of 30.8%. VLP may be related to more hardware-related complications than those previously reported.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic II.

Association of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation With Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures With Patient-Reported Outcomes in Older Adults: A Network Meta-analysis

Importance

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have reported inconsistent conclusions regarding optimal distal radius fracture (DRF) treatment in older adults and are limited due to the inclusion of cohort studies with small sample sizes. A network meta-analysis (NMA) addresses these limitations by only synthesizing direct and indirect evidence from RCTs and may clarify optimal DRF treatment in older adults.

Objective

To examine DRF treatment results in optimal short-term and intermediate-term patient-reported outcomes.

Data Sources

Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted for RCTs that investigated DRF treatment outcomes in older adults between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2022.

Study Selection

Randomized clinical trials including patients with a mean age of 50 years or older that compared the following DRF treatments were eligible for inclusion: casting, open reduction and internal fixation with volar lock plating (ORIF), external fixation, percutaneous pinning, and nail fixation.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers independently completed all data extraction. An NMA aggregated all direct and indirect evidence among DRF treatments. Treatments were ranked by surface under the cumulative ranking curve score. Data are reported as standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was short-term (≤3 months) and intermediate-term (>3 months to 1 year) Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire scores. Secondary outcomes included Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores and 1-year complication rates.

Results

In this NMA, 23 RCTs consisting of 3054 participants (2495 women [81.7%]) with a mean (SD) age of 66 (7.8) years were included. At 3 months, DASH scores were significantly lower for nail fixation (SMD, -18.28; 95% CI, -29.93 to -6.63) and ORIF (SMD, -9.28; 95% CI, -13.90 to -4.66) compared with casting. The PRWE scores were also significantly lower for ORIF (SMD, -9.55; 95% CI, -15.31 to -3.79) at 3 months. In the intermediate term, ORIF was associated with lowered DASH (SMD, -3.35; 95% CI, -5.90 to -0.80) and PRWE (SMD, -2.90; 95% CI, -4.86 to -0.94) scores. One-year complication rates were comparable among all treatments.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this NMA suggest that ORIF may be associated with clinically significant improvements in short-term recovery compared with casting for multiple patient-reported outcomes measures with no increase in 1-year complication rates. Shared decision-making with patients may be useful to identify patient preferences regarding recovery to determine optimal treatment.

Comparison of Intramedullary Nail and Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Operative intervention with a volar locking plate (VLP) is currently the gold standard for the fixation of distal radius fractures. Intramedullary nailing (IMN) of the distal radius is a novel technique that aims to reduce soft tissue complications due to a smaller surgical incision while maintaining the benefits of a rigid fracture fixation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the functional, clinical, and radiological outcomes of all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patient outcomes of VLP and IMN in distal radius fracture fixation. Three databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched in July 2021. The inclusion criteria were RCTs comparing fixation of extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius with VLP or IMN and availability of full text in English. Children under the age of 18 were excluded. Seven trials with a total of 398 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that there were improved short-term clinical outcomes favouring IMN, although there were no significant differences in terms of functional, radiological, and long-term clinical outcomes. Analysis showed that outcomes of IMN are comparable with VLP for fixation of extra-articular and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. We recommend that further high-quality trials are required to establish the role of IMN in distal radius fixation.

What Is the Relative Effectiveness of the Various Surgical Treatment Options for Distal Radius Fractures? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Many acceptable treatment options exist for distal radius fractures (DRFs); however, a simultaneous comparison of all methods is difficult using conventional study designs.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on DRF treatment to answer the following questions: Compared with nonoperative treatment, (1) which intervention is associated with the best 1-year functional outcome? (2) Which intervention is associated with the lowest risk of overall complications? (3) Which intervention is associated with the lowest risk of complications requiring operation?

METHODS

Ten databases were searched from inception to July 25, 2019. Search and analysis reporting adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Included studies were English-language RCTs that assessed at least one surgical treatment arm for adult patients with displaced DRFs, with less than 20% loss to follow-up. We excluded RCTs reporting on patients with open fractures, extensive bone loss, or ipsilateral upper extremity polytrauma. Seventy RCTs (n = 4789 patients) were included. Treatments compared were the volar locking plate, bridging external fixation, nonbridging external fixation, dynamic external fixation, percutaneous pinning, intramedullary fixation, dorsal plating, fragment-specific plating, and nonoperative treatment. Subgroup analyses were conducted for intraarticular fractures, extraarticular fractures, and patients with an average age greater than 60 years. Mean (range) patient age was 59 years (56 to 63) and was similar across all treatment groups except for dynamic external fixation (44 years) and fragment-specific plating (47 years). Distribution of intraarticular and extraarticular fractures was approximately equal among the treatment groups other than that for intramedullary fixation (73% extraarticular), fragment-specific plating (66% intraarticular) [13, 70], and dorsal plating (100% intraarticular). Outcomes were the DASH score at 1 year, total complications, and reoperation. The minimum clinically important different (MCID) for the DASH score was set at 10 points. The analysis was performed using Bayesian methodology with random-effects models. Rank orders were generated using surface under the cumulative ranking curve values. Evidence quality was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Most studies had a low risk of bias due to randomization and low rates of incomplete follow-up, unclear risk of bias due to selective reporting, and high risk of bias due to lack of patient and assessor blinding. Studies assessing bridging external fixation and/or nonoperative treatment arms had a higher overall risk of bias while studies with volar plating and/or percutaneous pinning treatment arms had a lower risk of bias.

RESULTS

Across all patients, there were no clinically important differences in terms of the DASH score at 1 year; although differences were found, all were less than the MCID of 10 points. Volar plating was ranked the highest for DASH score at 1 year (mean difference -7.34 [95% credible interval -11 to -3.7) while intramedullary fixation, with low-quality evidence, also showed improvement in DASH score (mean difference -7.75 [95% CI -14.6 to -0.56]). The subgroup analysis revealed that only locked volar plating was favored over nonoperative treatment for patients older than 60 years of age (mean difference -6.4 [95% CI -11 to -2.1]) and for those with intraarticular fractures (mean difference -8.4 [95% CI -15 to -2.0]). However, its clinical importance was uncertain as the MCID was not met. Among all patients, intramedullary fixation (odds ratio 0.09 [95% CI 0.02 to 0.84]) and locked volar plating (OR 0.14 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.39]) were associated with a lower complication risk compared with nonoperative treatment. For intraarticular fractures, volar plating was the only treatment associated with a lower risk of complications than nonoperative treatment (OR 0.021 [95% CI < 0.01 to 0.50]). For extraarticular fractures, only nonbridging external fixation was associated with a lower risk of complications than nonoperative treatment (OR 0.011 [95% CI < 0.01 to 0.65]), although the quality of evidence was low. Among all patients, the risk of complications requiring operation was lower with intramedullary fixation (OR 0.06 [95% CI < 0.01 to 0.85) than with nonoperative treatment, but no treatment was favored over nonoperative treatment when analyzed by subgroups.

CONCLUSION

We found no clinically important differences favoring any surgical treatment option with respect to 1-year functional outcome. However, relative to the other options, volar plating was associated with a lower complication risk, particularly in patients with intraarticular fractures, while nonbridging external fixation was associated with a lower complication risk in patients with extraarticular fractures. For patients older than 60 years of age, nonoperative treatment may still be the preferred option because there is no reliable evidence showing a consistent decrease in complications or complications requiring operation among the other treatment options. Particularly in this age group, the decision to expose patients to even a single surgery should be made with caution.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures Using CAGE-DR Implant

Purpose  CAGE-DR implant is a novel Food and Drug Administration approved intramedullary fracture fixation device used for distal radius fractures. We examine a series of 22 patients and report the outcomes with this device. Materials and Methods  A total of 24 patients with distal radius fractures (8 articular AO type C1/C2; 16 extra-articular AO type A2/A3) underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using CAGE-DR implant by a single surgeon. Data including fracture type, angle of displacement, radiographic consolidation, grip strength, wrist range of motion (ROM), patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded at time of surgery and at standard follow-up. Results  All 24 patients underwent uneventful ORIF. At first follow-up visit (9 days), all patients had full digital ROM (measured as 0 cm tip-to-palm distance). Two patients were lost to follow-up. Eighteen of the remaining 22 patients had sufficient radiographic follow-up and all 18 demonstrated healing. At latest follow-up (mean 9.7 months, range, 3-20), VAS pain scores averaged 0.6 (range, 0-8) and PRWE averaged 12.1 (range, 0-53.5). Grip strength of the operated hand averaged 58 lbs (range, 20-130). ROM included: wrist flexion 73° (50-95), wrist extension 78° (60-110), pronation 77° (60-90), supination 79° (60-90), ulnar deviation 31° (5-45), and radial deviation 17° (10-30). Three patients underwent screw removal to prevent tendon irritation. One patient underwent hardware removal due to prominence on imaging but was asymptomatic. There were otherwise no major complications, including complex regional pain syndrome, in the series to date. Conclusion  The CAGE-DR fracture fixation system is a promising alternative to established methods of distal radius internal fixation. This series has a low reported pain score starting immediately postoperatively and a low complication rate. This novel device is a promising option for internal fixation of displaced distal radius fractures with a low complication profile. Level of Evidence  This is a level IV, therapeutic study.

A Sandwich Method Using Kapandji Intrafocal Pinning to Facilitate Palmar Plating of Displaced Distal Radius Fractures

The use of palmar plating in the treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fracture is very common, and can result in a good functional outcome. We present an easy "sandwich method" to reduce the fracture and to facilitate osteosynthesis. Firstly, the dorsal Kapandji intrafocal wire was applied to achieve the reduction of the dorsally displaced fracture and provide a volar-directed force. Then the intra-articular fractures were reduced or the metaphyseal defect is stuffed with bone graft if necessary. Finally, the anatomical plate is used to buttress and push back the distal fragment to complete the osteosynthesis. The postoperative radiographic parameters, comparing with the contralateral noninjured side, could achieve similar radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, and ulnar variance without significant difference.

Use of Volar Locking Plate Versus Intramedullary Nailing for Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of volar plate versus intramedullary nailing for fixation of distal radius fractures.

Material/Methods

This retrospective study included 64 patients with extra-articular and simple intra-articular fractures of the distal radius who underwent intramedullary fixation using volar locking plate (n=35, mean age 47.3±16.4 years, 82.9% female) or intramedullary nailing (n=29, mean age 51.3±10.1 years, 58.6% female). Outcome measures were range of motion (ROM); visual analog scale (VAS); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; Gartland-Werley score; Stewart score; and radiographic findings.

Results

Time to fracture union was 5.5±1.2 and 5.2±0.6 weeks after volar plate fixation and intramedullary nailing, respectively (p>0.05). Compared to volar plate fixation, intramedullary nailing provided better restoration of volar tilt (6.9±6.3° vs. 9.4±1.6°, p=0.004) and wrist flexion (74.3±15.1° vs. 67.9±13.1°, p=0.003). However, volar plate fixation was significantly better in restoration of supination (85.0±8.3° vs. 81.9±5.1°, p=0.001) and radio-ulnar variance (0.7±0.8 mm vs. 1.1±0.9 mm, p=0.05), DASH score (9.2± 9.0 vs. 15.0 ±3.3, p=0.035), and Gartland-Werley score (1.8±0.9 vs. 4.9±5.4, p=0.004). Volar plate and intramedullary nailing groups were comparable with respect to Stewart score (1.5±0.7 and 1.6±1.3, p>0.05) and complication rates (34.3% vs. 37.9%, p>0.05).

Conclusions

Both volar plate fixation and intramedullary nail fixation provide good clinical and radiographic outcomes for primarily extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures. As intramedullary nailing provides better restoration of volar tilt and wrist flexion, volar plate fixation provides better restoration of radio-ulnar variance and wrist supination.

Longitudinal recovery following distal radial fractures managed with volar plate fixation

AIMS

To synthesise the literature and perform a meta-analysis detailing the longitudinal recovery in the first two years following a distal radius fracture (DRF) managed with volar plate fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Following eligibility screening and quality assessment, data were extracted and outcomes were assimilated at the post-operative time points of interest. A state-of-the-art longitudinal mixed-effects meta-analysis model was employed to analyse the data.

RESULTS

The search identified 5698 articles, of which 46 study reports met the selection criteria. High levels of disability and impairment were reported in the immediate post-operative period with subsequently a rapid initial improvement followed by more gradual improvement for up to one year. The results highlight that the period associated with the greatest physical recovery is in the first three months and suggest that the endpoint of treatment outcomes is best measured at one year post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes can be expected for 12 months, after which progress plateaus and reaches normal values. This paper adopted a novel approach to meta-analyses in that the research question was of a longitudinal nature, which required a unique method of statistical analysis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1665-76.

A systematic review of volar locking plate removal after distal radius fracture

BACKGROUND

Indication of volar locking plate (VLP) removal after bony healing of distal radius fracture (DRF) is controversial. Studies with various range of removal rate were reported. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the frequency and the reasons of hardware removal over the world. We hypothesized that more frequent VLP removal contribute to better clinical outcomes.

METHODS

The authors searched all available literature in the PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles reporting on outcomes of treatment using VLP for DRF. Data collection included hardware removal rate, complication rate, clinical and radiological outcomes. We analyzed correlation between hardware removal rate with clinical and radiological outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 3472 articles were screened, yielding 52 studies for final review. The mean hardware removal rate was 9%, ranging from 0 to 100%. The mean removal rate in studies from France, Norway, Japan, and Belgium was as high as 19%. The mean removal rate in studies from the US was low (3%). The most frequent reasons for extraction were routine removal (22%), tendon irritation or tenosynovitis (14%), hardware problem (14%), and patient' request (13%). Although routine removal and patient' request were not counted as complication, correlation between removal rate with complication rate was strong (rho=0.64, p<0.001). Correlations between clinical and radiological outcomes were week except for volar tilt (rho=-0.42, p=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a diversity of removal rate and reasons in the studies over the world. High frequent VLP removal did not contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Distal Radius Fractures: Approaches, Indications, and Techniques

Distal radius fractures remain among the most common fractures of the upper extremity. The indications for operative management continue to evolve based on outcomes from the most recent clinical studies. Advancements over the past decade have expanded the variety of fixation options available; however, the clinical superiority of a particular treatment modality remains without consensus. Each approach requires the use of unique surgical techniques, and the choice of a particular implant system should be based on the surgeon's familiarity with the implant design and its limitations. As our understanding of the management of distal radius fractures improves, so will our indications for each specific treatment modality.

Distal Radial Fracture Management With an Intramedullary Cage and Fragment Fixation

PURPOSE

To examine the outcomes associated with the treatment of distal radial fractures with an expandable intramedullary cage and fragment-specific screw fixation.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter case series of 100 patients with a fracture of the distal radius treated with the "Cage System" was undertaken. Primary patient outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Patient-Related Wrist/Hand Evaluation questionnaires, and adverse events associated with the device. Secondary outcomes included wrist range of motion and radiographic findings.

RESULTS

Follow-up was performed at intervals of 2 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year. Ninety-one patients were available for follow-up at 2 weeks, 87 at 4 to 6 weeks, 73 at 3 months, and 61 at 12 months. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score at 3 months was 21; at 12 months, it was 9. The mean total Patient-Reported Wrist/Hand Evaluation score at 3 months was 21; at 12 months, it was 11. There were 5 adverse events (5%)-2 involving radial nerve irritation and 3 involving tendon irritation from screws. Four of these 5 patients underwent surgical intervention, a neurolysis in 1 patient and removal of screws in 3. All patients were free of adverse-event symptoms at 3 months' follow-up. Wrist range of motion improved most rapidly in the first 12 weeks following surgery and continued to improve throughout follow-up. The fracture reduction achieved at surgery was maintained throughout the healing process. There was evidence of callus formation at the fracture as early as 2 weeks after surgery with 100% of fractures healed at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

An expandable intramedullary cage with fragment-specific screw fixation provides maintenance of fracture reduction with a low complication rate.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Is intramedullary nailing better than the use of volar locking plates for fractures of the distal radius? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the use of intramedullary nails and volar locking plates in distal radial fractures. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Collaboration Central database were used to find randomized controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers screened the studies, extracted the data, evaluated the methodological quality and analysed the data with RevMan 5.1 software. No statistically significant differences were detected in the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand and the Gartland and Werley scores, radiographic parameters, wrist range of motion, grip strength, total complication rate and incidence of tendon rupture between the two groups. However, carpal tunnel syndrome occurred less often after intramedullary nailing. The two fixation methods achieved equal clinical, functional and radiological outcomes for primary fixation of the indicated types of distal radial fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/LevelI.

Volar, Intramedullary, and Percutaneous Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Background The management of extra-articular distal radius fractures is highly variable, with no clear consensus regarding their optimal management. Purpose To assess comparatively the biomechanical stability of Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation, volar plating, and intramedullary nailing for unstable, extra-articular distal radius fractures with both (1) constant and (2) cyclical axial compression, simulating forces experienced during early postoperative rehabilitation. Methods Twenty-six volar locking plate, intramedullary nail, and K-wire bone-implant constructs were biomechanically assessed using an unstable extra-articular distal radius bone model. Bone implant models were created for each type of construct. Three samples from each construct underwent compressive axial loading until fixation failure. The remaining samples from each construct underwent fatigue testing with a 50-N force for 2,000 cycles followed by repeat compressive axial loading until fixation failure. Results Axial loading revealed the volar plate was significantly stiffer than the intramedullary nail and K-wire constructs. Both the volar plate and intramedullary nail required greater than 300 N of force for fixation failure, while the K-wire construct failed at less than 150 N. Both the volar plate and intramedullary nail demonstrated less than 1 mm of displacement during cyclic loading, while the K-wire construct displaced greater than 3 mm. Postfatigue testing demonstrated the volar plate was stiffer than the intramedullary nail and K-wire constructs, and both the volar plate and intramedullary nail required greater than 300 N of force for fixation failure while the K-wire construct failed at less than 150 N. Conclusions Volar plating of unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures is biomechanically stiffer than K-wire and intramedullary fixation. Both the volar plate and intramedullary nail demonstrated the necessary stability and stiffness to maintain anatomic reduction during the postoperative rehabilitation period. Clinical Relevance Both the volar plate and intramedullary nail demonstrated the necessary biomechanical stability to maintain postoperative reduction in extra-articular distal radius fractures, warranting further clinical comparison.

The Effect of Osteoporosis on Healing of Distal Radius Fragility Fractures

Although the decision for operative versus nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures remains subjective and is performed on a case-by-case basis, evaluation and treatment of patients with concomitant osteoporosis requires understanding of the behavior of this injury as a distinct subset of distal radius fractures. Age, infirmity, and osteoporosis affect every aspect of the fracture. Understanding what makes these fractures unique assists surgeons in more effective and efficient treatment. The authors present the current understanding of osteoporotic fragility fractures of the distal radius, focusing on epidemiology, biomechanics of bone healing, and its implication on strategies for management.

Defining the role of intramedullary nailing for fractures of the distal radius

This article is a systematic review of the published literature about the biomechanics, functional outcome and complications of intramedullary nailing of fractures of the distal radius.

We searched the Medline and EMBASE databases and included all studies which reported the outcome of intramedullary (IM) nailing of fractures of the distal radius. Data about functional outcome, range of movement (ROM), strength and complications, were extracted. The studies included were appraised independently by both authors using a validated quality assessment scale for non-controlled studies and the CONSORT statement for randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

The search strategy revealed 785 studies, of which 16 were included for full paper review. These included three biomechanical studies, eight case series and five randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

The biomechanical studies concluded that IM nails were at least as strong as locking plates. The clinical studies reported that IM nailing gave a comparable ROM, functional outcome and grip strength to other fixation techniques.

However, the mean complication rate of intramedullary nailing was 17.6% (0% to 50%). This is higher than the rates reported in contemporary studies for volar plating. It raises concerns about the role of intramedullary nailing, particularly when comparative studies have failed to show that it has any major advantage over other techniques. Further adequately powered RCTs comparing the technique to both volar plating and percutaneous wire fixation are needed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1370–6.

Randomized comparison of volar locking plates and intramedullary nails for unstable distal radius fractures

PURPOSE

To compare minimally invasive intramedullary nails (IMN) and volar locking plates (VLP) for the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures by evaluating postoperative subjective, radiographic, and functional outcomes. The hypothesis was that IMN patients would have less pain and required less pain medication in the early postoperative period and returned to work earlier than VLP patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients with closed, displaced, unstable, extra-articular, metaphyseal fractures of the distal radius were randomized to receive a VLP or an IMN for internal fixation. Functional outcomes (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Michigan Hand Questionnaire), radiographic measurements (ulnar variance, radial height, inclination, and volar tilt), and range of motion were assessed until final follow-up at 2 years after surgery. Narcotic pain medication use was documented for 5 weeks following surgery.

RESULTS

There were 2 groups of 30 patients with IMN (mean age, 55 ± 14 y) or VLP (mean age, 55 ± 16 y) with similar demographics and comorbidities. Patients with IMN regained extension earlier but had similar range of motion to patients with VLP at final follow-up. There was similar improvement in Michigan Hand Questionnaire, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and strength between groups. Five weeks after surgery, fewer IMN patients required narcotic pain medication (13%) than VLP patients (33%). Radiographic outcomes were similar at final follow-up. There were 3 failures with IMN versus 1 failure with VLP. All 10 employed patients with IMN returned to previous work compared with 10 of the 12 employed patients with VLP. Time to return to work was similar for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of similar patients, IMN and VLP provided comparable improvement in functional and radiographic outcomes. Patients with IMN required less narcotic pain medication after surgery than VLP patients.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic II.

Intramedullary repair device against volar plating in the reconstruction of extra-articular and simple articular distal radius fractures; a randomized pilot study

PURPOSE

This prospective randomized pilot study reports our institutional experience and early results using Sonoma Wrx (Sonoma Orthopedic Products, Santa Rosa, CA) in the treatment of extra-articular and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 64 patients, were enrolled in the study. They were considered eligible if they had; unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures suitable for closed reduction (AO types; A2.2, A2.3, A3.1 C2.1, C2.2). Patients in group I received intramedullary fixation using the Sonoma Wrx device and patients in group II received standard volar locking plate fixation. Radiographic criteria of acceptable healing were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

Two groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Mean time of operation was significantly shorter in Group 1 vs. in group 2 (36.81 ± 7.11 vs. 48.97 ± 5.9 minutes, p = 0.001). Time to healing of the fracture was not different between two groups (5.45 ± 1.09 vs. 5.70 ± 1.04 weeks for Group 1 vs. 2, respectively p = 0.36). Overall complications occurred in 9 patients in group 1 and in 15 patients in group 2 (p = 0.17). Follow-up was completed in all patients with a median time of 12 months and 13 months in group 1 and 2, respectively. On radiographic evaluation radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt were not significantly different between group 1 and 2, respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in regard to wrist rotational degrees measured in last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

Sonoma Wrx Device is reliable and effective in terms of achieving satisfactory outcomes in treatment of distal radius fractures. It may be reasonable to use this device to prevent complications that are related to extensive soft tissue dissection.