Comparison of Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures After 7 Treatments

Incidence and Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Distal Radius Fractures: A TriNetX Analysis of 39,603 Patients

Purpose

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common fractures and occur among all age groups. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a known sequela of DRFs, but its incidence is poorly understood. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of CTS following a DRF, with the hypothesis being that CTS occurs more commonly after nonsurgical treatment of a DRF.

Methods

The TriNetX US Collaborative Network was queried for all patients diagnosed with DRFs from January 2016 to December 2022. Cohorts were defined by inclusion and exclusion of the procedure Current Procedural Terminology codes into surgical and nonsurgical groups and subsequent ICD-10 diagnosis codes of CTS. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences in management across the study period.

Results

A total of 39,603 patients met inclusion with a diagnosis of a DRF. The incidence of CTS within one year of a DRF was 5.3%. Among all DRF cases, 10,279 (26%) patients underwent surgical treatment, whereas 29,324 (74%) patients underwent nonsurgical treatment. The incidence of CTS in the surgical group was 1194 (12%), whereas the incidence of CTS in the nonsurgical group was 915 (3%). Patients undergoing surgical treatment for a DRF had a 9% risk of developing CTS, whereas patients undergoing nonsurgical treatment had a 5% risk. Among all the patients having been diagnosed with CTS, 63% of those with an operatively treated DRF underwent surgical release, whereas 23% of those with a nonoperatively treated DRF underwent surgical release for CTS.

Conclusions

Patients having undergone surgical treatment for DRF had a four times higher rate of developing CTS, compared with those having undergone nonsurgical treatment. Among patients who underwent surgical treatment of a DRF with the subsequent development of CTS, there was a nearly three times higher rate of surgical release of CTS.

Type of study/level of evidence

Prognostic III.

Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Various Modalities in a Tertiary Care Center: A Single Center Study

Background Distal end radius fractures (DRF), which account for 17.5% of all fractures, are the most frequent fracture seen in emergency rooms. In patients with DRFs, delayed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs in about 20% of cases. When patients are treated with DRFs using different modalities, CTS results in poor functional outcomes. Our study aims to identify the prevalence of CTS in DRF patients receiving treatment with various modalities. Materials and methods Two hundred twenty patients with a history of DRFs who were treated by a variety of modalities at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Center between January 2013 and January 2018 are included in this retrospective analysis. The medical records from the department of the hospital's paperwork were used to gather the patient's information and radiographs. The information was gathered, tabulated, and examined. Results In our study, the incidence of CTS in DRF was calculated using a sample size of 220 and found to be 32.73%. The incidence of CTS was shown to be higher in groups with more comminution than less comminution when treatment modalities were analyzed. These groups included closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF)/open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with K wire, external fixation, conservative with the cast, ORIF with variable angle volar locking plate (VAVLP), and ORIF with volar T locking plates (VTLP). Conclusions After DRFs, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most significant consequence limiting functional results, hence preventing it requires considerably more attention and care.

Evidence-Based Approach to Timing of Nerve Surgery: A Review

ABSTRACT

Events causing acute stress to the health care system, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, place clinical decisions under increased scrutiny. The priority and timing of surgical procedures are critically evaluated under these conditions, yet the optimal timing of procedures is a key consideration in any clinical setting. There is currently no single article consolidating a large body of current evidence on timing of nerve surgery. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were systematically reviewed for clinical data on nerve repair and reconstruction to define the current understanding of timing and other factors affecting outcomes. Special attention was given to sensory, mixed/motor, nerve compression syndromes, and nerve pain. The data presented in this review may assist surgeons in making sound, evidence-based clinical decisions regarding timing of nerve surgery.

Prospective Evaluation of Median Nerve Dysfunctions in Patients with a Distal Radius Fracture Treated with Volar Locking Plating

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for median nerve dysfunctions after volar locking plate (VLP) fixation for distal radius fracture (DRF). Methods: We prospectively assessed the incidence of median nerve symptoms (MNS) such as numbness, pain, paresthesia, or hypesthesia in the area innervated by the median nerve and evaluated post-operative nerve conduction (NC) in 91 hands of 121 patients after VLP fixation for DRF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with MNS and abnormal NC in the injured wrist. Results: There were 18 cases (20%) of MNS on the injured side, 9 hands (10%) of both MNS and abnormal NC, 11 hands (12%) with only abnormal NC, and 9 hands with only MNS. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of abnormal NC for diagnosing MNS were 50%, 86%, and 78%, respectively. Four cases did not respond to conservative treatment and received carpal tunnel release concomitantly with plate removal. Logistic regression examination revealed that volar placement of the plate and short stature were significant independent predictors of MNS, while patient age was the sole independent predictor of abnormal NC. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that plate prominence, short stature, and age were significant independent risk factors for median nerve dysfunctions after VLP fixation for DRF.

Complications of Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review

Background  In recent years, there has been an increased utilization of volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, reported long-term complication rates with this technique remain unclear. Purpose  The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the pooled incidence of complications associated with volar locking plating of DRF. Methods  A search of the Scopus database was performed from 2006 through 2016. Studies were considered eligible if they had a diagnosis of a DRF and were treated with a volar locking plate with an average of 12 months or longer follow-up. Results  The literature search yielded 633 citations, with 55 eligible for inclusion in the review (total n  = 3,911). An overall complication rate of 15% was identified, with 5% representing major complications requiring reoperation. The most common complication types identified included nerve dysfunction (5.7%), tendon injury (3.5%), and hardware-related issues (1.6%). Conclusion  Nerve complications were reportedly higher than tendon and hardware-related complications combined. However, despite varying complication rates in the literature, this systematic review reveals an overall low complication rate associated with volar locking plating of DRF.

Assessment of Distal Radius Fracture Complications Among Adults 60 Years or Older: A Secondary Analysis of the WRIST Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Complications affect treatment outcomes and quality of life in addition to increasing treatment costs.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate complication rates after the treatment of a distal radius fracture, to determine whether the rate or complication type is associated with treatment method, and to determine predictors of complications.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The multicenter Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial (WRIST), a randomized clinical trial, enrolled participants from April 10, 2012, to December 31, 2016. The study included 304 adults 60 years or older with isolated unstable distal radius fractures; 187 were randomized and 117 opted for casting. The study was conducted at 24 health systems in the United States, Canada, and Singapore. Data for this secondary analysis were collected from April 24, 2012, to February 28, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants opting for surgery were randomized to receive the volar locking plate system (n = 65), percutaneous pinning (n = 58), or bridging external fixation with or without supplemental pinning (n = 64). Patients who chose not to have surgery (n = 117) were not randomized and were enrolled for casting.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Complication rate.

RESULTS

The WRIST enrolled a total of 304 participants, of whom 8 casting group participants were later found to be ineligible and were excluded from the analysis, leaving 296 participants. Randomized participants' mean (SD) age was 68 (7.2) years, 163 (87%) were female, and 165 (88%) were white. Casting participants' mean (SD) age was 75.6 (9.6) years, 93 (84%) were female, and 85 (85%) were white. The most common type of complications varied by treatment. Twelve of 65 participants (18.5%) in the internal fixation group reported a median nerve compression, while 16 of 26 participants (25.8%) who received external fixation and 13 of 56 participants (23.2%) who received pinning sustained pin site infections. Compared with the internal fixation group, complication rate for any severity complication was higher in participants who initially received casting (adjusted rate ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.22-2.88), whereas the rate for moderate complications was higher in the external fixation group (adjusted rate ratio, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.25-5.09).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The distal radius fracture treatment decision-making process for older patients should incorporate a complication profile for each treatment type. For example, external fixation and pinning could be used for patients after apprising them of pin site infection risk. Internal fixation can be done in patients with high functional demands who are willing to receive surgery. Internal fixation use should be substantiated owing to the time and cost involved.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01589692.

Fixation of unstable distal radius fractures by using expandable Intramedullary nailing system in adult patients

Objective

To present our experience on intramedullary nailing device Sonoma Wrx (Sonoma Orthopedic Products Inc., Santa Rosa, CA, USA) used for internal fixation of extra-articular or simple intra-articular distal radius fractures in adult population.

Methods

This study was conducted from February 2011 to October 2016. A total of 48 patients (mean age 47.3±5.6 years, 35.4% females) with distal radius fracture, who underwent intramedullary distal radius fixation by using Sonoma Wrx were included in this retrospective study. Clinical outcome measures (range of motion [ROM], visual analog scale [VAS]), functional outcomes (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] score and Gartland-Werley score), radiographic scores (Stewart score) and parameters (radial inclination, volar tilt, radial height, radio-ulnar variance) and complications were evaluated.

Results

The total surgery time was 24.3±2.3 minutes. Patients were followed up for 24.7±3.4 weeks. Complete fracture union was obtained at 5.5±0.9 weeks. The postoperative low VAS pain score (1.6±0.93) and high ROM values (76.7° for extension, 78.5° for supination, 80.1° for flexion, and 82.3° for pronation) indicated a very good clinical outcome. DASH score of 8.3±1.5 and Gartland-Werley score of 2.8±4.1 showed good functional outcome. The radiographic Stewart score was 1.0±1.2. Radial inclination, volar tilt, and radial height significantly increased (p<0.001), and radio-ulnar variance decreased (p=0.001) with surgery. No postoperative complication was recorded in 40 patients (83.3%).

Conclusions

Sonoma Wrx, which is an expansible intramedullary elastic locking distal radius nail, offers a good alternative technique for internal fixation of unstable distal radius fractures with the advantage of minimum soft-tissue dissection and related postoperative complications.

A Protocol for Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Distal Radius Fractures Using Sensorimotor Input: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Proprioception and sensorimotor input are used to treat neurological and joint injuries. Following distal radius fractures (DRF) there is a temporary loss of proprioception that should be addressed. We created a protocol for evaluation, and a treatment plan following wrist surgery that is based on proprioceptive and sensorimotor input. We describe a series of patients undergoing surgery for DRF that were evaluated and treated with these protocols.

METHODS

Both evaluation and treatment protocols included comprehensive sensorimotor procedures performed with eyes open and closed. These included Semmes- Weinstein, static and moving 2-point discrimination, vibration, temperature testing, Moberg pick-up- test, stereognosis and proprioception.

RESULTS

A series of twelve patients was evaluated and treated with the protocol following surgical treatment for DRF. Patients demonstrated significant sensorimotor deficits, which improved utilizing the comprehensive sensorimotor treatment protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Further study is necessary to validate the results of this pilot series. Use of proprioception and sensorimotor input may improve outcomes of rehabilitation following DRF.

[Posttraumatic nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities]

Nerve entrapment syndromes in the upper extremities are common clinical disease patterns, less often as direct results of accidents. The most frequent compression syndrome is the carpal tunnel syndrome followed by the cubital tunnel syndrome. If the cause of the compression cannot be eliminated by conservative treatment options, an operative therapy is necessary. As the prognosis becomes worse with the duration of the nerve compression, it is important to initiate therapy at an early stage.