Anatomical and functional results five years after remanipulated Colles' fractures

Effect of Radial Lengthening on Distal Forearm Loading Following Simulated In Vitro Radial Shortening During Simulated Dynamic Wrist Motion

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of radial length change on distal forearm loading during simulated dynamic wrist motion.

METHODS

A custom-built adjustable radial implant was used to simulate up to 4 mm of distal radius shortening (-4 mm) and 3 mm of lengthening (+3 mm). Load cells were placed in the distal radius and ulna in cadavers to measure their respective axial loads. The specimens were mounted on a wrist motion simulator that produced active wrist motion via tendon actuation. To simulate radial lengthening osteotomy following radial shortening from malunion, the radius was sequentially lengthened by 1-mm intervals from -4 mm to +3 mm. Radial and ulnar loads were measured during simulated wrist flexion, ulnar deviation (UD), and flexion dart throw (DT) at each interval of radial lengthening up to +3 mm.

RESULTS

During wrist flexion and UD, for each millimeter of radial lengthening from -4 mm to the native length, there was a significant increase in distal radial loads. No significant change in radial load was observed beyond the native length during flexion and UD. There was no change in distal radial loads during DT for each interval of radial lengthening from -4 mm to +3 mm. A sequential decrease in ulnar loads was observed as the radius was lengthened from -4 mm to +3 mm for all wrist motions evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Radial lengthening beyond the native length was not detrimental to radial loading and further reduced distal ulnar loading; achieving at least native ulnar variance seems to be appropriate to restore normal biomechanical loading based on this in vitro study.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Lengthening of the radius beyond native variance in the setting of ulnar impaction syndrome, distal radius malunion, or distal radioulnar instability may not result in excessive loading of the distal radius and further reduces loading on the distal ulna. Surgeons should obtain contralateral wrist x-rays to serve as a template when performing distal radius osteotomies.

Redisplacement of Distal Radius Fracture after Initial Closed Reduction: Analysis of Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

To evaluate risk factors of redisplacement and remind surgeons of key factors regarding conservative treatment of distal radius fracture.

METHODS

A total of 132 patients who received conservative treatment for distal radius fractures between March 2008 and February 2011 were included in this study. Radial inclination, radial length, volar tilting angle, ulnar variance, fragment translation, and presence of dorsal metaphyseal comminution were measured on the X-rays taken immediately after reduction, one week after injury during the first follow-up outpatient clinic visit, and after the gain of radiological union. Secondary displacement was defined as a loss of reduction during the follow-up period, and was divided into 'early' and 'late' categories. We analyzed the influence of initial displacement radiologic variables, dorsal cortex comminution, and patient age on the development of secondary displacement.

RESULTS

Development of secondary displacement was significantly associated only with initial displacement radiologic variables (p < 0.001), development of the late secondary displacement was significantly associated with age (p = 0.005), and initial displacement radiologic variables were associated significantly with a serial increase in ulnar variance (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater displacement on the initial radiographs indicates a higher possibility of development for secondary displacement, and older patients had a higher probability of late secondary displacement development. Furthermore, dorsal comminutions did not affect secondary displacement directly.

Redisplacement of Distal Radius Fracture after Initial Closed Reduction: Analysis of Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

To evaluate risk factors of redisplacement and remind surgeons of key factors regarding conservative treatment of distal radius fracture.

METHODS

A total of 132 patients who received conservative treatment for distal radius fractures between March 2008 and February 2011 were included in this study. Radial inclination, radial length, volar tilting angle, ulnar variance, fragment translation, and presence of dorsal metaphyseal comminution were measured on the X-rays taken immediately after reduction, one week after injury during the first follow-up outpatient clinic visit, and after the gain of radiological union. Secondary displacement was defined as a loss of reduction during the follow-up period, and was divided into 'early' and 'late' categories. We analyzed the influence of initial displacement radiologic variables, dorsal cortex comminution, and patient age on the development of secondary displacement.

RESULTS

Development of secondary displacement was significantly associated only with initial displacement radiologic variables (p < 0.001), development of the late secondary displacement was significantly associated with age (p = 0.005), and initial displacement radiologic variables were associated significantly with a serial increase in ulnar variance (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater displacement on the initial radiographs indicates a higher possibility of development for secondary displacement, and older patients had a higher probability of late secondary displacement development. Furthermore, dorsal comminutions did not affect secondary displacement directly.

Shortening of the distal ulna to correct ulnar variance in osteoporotic wrist fractures treated with intra-focal pining

The aim of this study is to correct the ulnar variance in severe osteoporotic wrist fracture treated with intra-focal pining of the distal radius, with shortening osteotomy of the distal ulna. Thirteen patients, 12 females and one male, 61-83 years old, 6-year follow-up, were treated by intra-focal pining (kapandji). When preoperatively the ulnar variance did not return to a normal value comparing to the opposite wrist, a shortening osteotomy of the ulna was performed in one stage, 4 cm proximal to the ulnar head. The fractures healed 6-8 weeks with stability and normal motion: flexion 70°, extension 60° and pronation/supination 140°. There was no pain upon palpation of distal ulna and no sign of radial impingement. Concerning the ulnar variance and starting with nine neutral values at the normal wrist, we obtained eight negative and one neutral ulnar variance after surgery. In four cases of negative variance at normal wrist, we obtained four negative ulnar variances after surgery and two cases of ulnar non-union. In cases of dorsal comminution in wrist fracture with severe osteoporosis, intra-focal pining technique is able to restore all the radiological parameters, but it could not correct the inversion of ulnar variance relative to shortening of the radius. Avoiding secondary interventions, acute shortening osteotomy of the ulna performed is a procedure which allows restoring the ulnar variance without affecting carpal stability and the mobility.

The effect of osteoporosis on outcomes of operatively treated distal radius fractures

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that postmenopausal osteoporotic women with distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation had worse functional outcomes than women without osteoporosis sustaining similar injuries.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for 64 postmenopausal women treated with open reduction internal fixation for distal radius fractures between 2006 and 2010 with known bone mineral density measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the time of injury (osteopenia, n = 44; osteoporosis, n = 20). Data collected included age, mechanism of injury, fracture severity, and associated comorbidities. Outcomes included range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and radiographic parameters of fracture reduction. We calculated patients' Charlson Comorbidity Index and tabulated complications. The primary outcome was DASH score at 12 months after injury. We applied multiple linear regression to determine whether bone mineral density status was predictive of functional outcomes 12 months after injury. We used logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with poor outcomes and applied likelihood estimation to determine predictors of a high DASH score at 12 months.

RESULTS

At 1 year postoperatively, women with osteoporosis had average DASH scores 15 points higher than those with osteopenia. Both osteoporosis and the Charlson Comorbidity Index were strong positive independent predictors of higher DASH scores (ie, poorer functional outcomes). There were no significant differences in range of motion or radiographic data between groups. Patients with osteoporosis had a higher rate of major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Osteoporosis had a negative impact on functional outcomes for women with distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation. Surgeons should identify high-risk patients, ensure close monitoring, and initiate appropriate preventative measures in this patient population.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Fractures of the distal radius in women aged 50 to 75 years: natural course of patient-reported outcome, wrist motion and grip strength between 1 year and 2-4 years after fracture

Fractures of the distal radius in postmenopausal women may cause prolonged pain and disability, but little is known about their natural course beyond the first year. In this study, women of 50-75 years of age, initially treated with cast or external fixation, were examined 1 year after distal radial fracture and then re-evaluated after a mean of 3 (range, 2-4) years. The evaluation included pain, disability (DASH) scores, grip strength and range of motion. In the 49 participating women pain scores, grip strength and range of motion improved significantly, although the mean improvement was moderate or small. In a subgroup of 13 patients with moderate or severe malunion, the 1 year DASH score was significantly worse than in the remaining patients but improved significantly together with grip strength and range of motion. After fractures of the distal radius, pain, grip strength and range of motion continued to improve beyond 1 year, up to 2-4 years. Patients with malunion had more disability at 1 year but showed significant improvement at 2-4 years.

The use of kinematic and parametric information to highlight lack of movement and compensation in the upper extremities during activities of daily living

A problem that is common to the study of upper limb kinematics and gait analysis is the translation of the evidence from kinematic measurements into easily interpretable information on the status of the patient, such as the amount of compensation or lack of motion. In this study parameters that can be helpful in the rapid and clear identification of limited wrist motion and compensation were derived from kinematic data. A group of six subjects (group A) with no hand impairment, average age 32.5 ys SD 10.7 ys, and another group of five subjects (group B), average age 34.2 ys SD 16.8 ys, having suffered from distal radius fracture were tested during a cyclic activity of daily living. The activity simulated page turning. Thorax, shoulder, elbow and wrist angles were measured during this task using a motion capture system. Corresponding angle ranges were also calculated. The active range of motion (AROM) found for Group B was generally lower than that of Group A, particularly for elbow supination and wrist movements, with wrist flexion/extension statistically smaller for group B (P=0.02). Additional parameters that took into account lack of movements at the wrist and compensation from shoulder elevation, rotation and elbow pronation/supination proved to be more useful at identifying those subjects of group B outside the normative range and can provide clinicians with a rapid and efficient tool that can shorten the analysis process and help make more informed decisions on therapeutic treatments.

Experience with the AO ?-plate for displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius

We have used open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the AO pi-plate in 32 displaced, intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. The indication was a displaced intra-articular fracture with a step-off of more than 1 mm and a gap between fragments of more than 3 mm, judged from the primary computed tomograms (CT). All fractures were classified as AO type C3. Twenty-nine patients were followed-up after a mean of 23 (9-46) months. The dorsal tilt, the radial length, the radial inclination, the articular step-off, and the intra-articular gap between fragments were substantially improved postoperatively. All the patients had excellent or good extra-articular and intra-articular alignment. Two patients had reduced extension power of the first finger. Seventeen patients had Disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores of less than 10 points, five had scores between 11 and 20, three between 21 and 30, three between 31 and 40, and one patient had a score of 65 points. Complications occurred in two patients: one had a painful amputation neuroma of the superficial radial nerve, and one developed adhesions of the flexor tendons of the second and third fingers because the screws were too long and had penetrated the tendon sheaths. We conclude that the AO pi-plate is an excellent option for the most comminuted fractures of the distal radius.

[Score system--potential uses and application in the assessment of results in Colles' fractures]

INTRODUCTION

Colles'fractures are the most common fractures of the human skeleton, especially in winter and in menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the paper was to provide an overview of the potential uses of the Gartland-Werley (G-W) scoring system, that is, of its elements (residual deformities, subjective discomfort, objective discomfort and complications) in assessing the results of the Colles' fractures treatment; as well as to determine which of these elements--and to what extent--have an impact on the final result of the scoring system and what correlations exist within the G-W scoring system itself.

METHOD

Our paper included 102 patients suffering from Colles' fractures treated non-operatively with a minimum follow-up period of one year.The Gartland-Werley scoring system was used to assess the results of the non-operative treatment.

RESULTS

The results, when applying the G-W score, were excellent in 40, good in 46, satisfactory in 14, and poor in 2 patients at the end of the assessment. The G-W score elements had the following percentages in the scoring results: residual deformities 15.38%, subjective discomfort 15.38%, objective discomfort (functional results) 43.58%, and complications 25.64%. The correlation analysis showed a statistically significant correlation of the residual deformities and the total G-W score (p < 0.01) at the level of subjective discomfort and total G-W score (p < 0.01), and between objective discomfort and total G-W score at the same level.

CONCLUSION

Colles'fractures, as the most common fractures in humans, require a special approach and adequate assessment of final treatment results, because inadequate treatment results in the reduction of patients'daily activities and their ability to work.

[Anatomical and functional outcome in nonoperative management of patients with fractures of the distal radial bone]

Tracking of anatomical and functional results obtained after non-surgical treatment of the distal radius included 115 patients in total, of whom 51 cases were available to be analysed and processed within this work. Tracking of the results was based upon Anatomical Score System and Gartland-Werley Score System. The final numerical results obtained through Anatomical Score were the following:excellent in 12 cases (23.52%), good in 30 cases (58.82%), satisfactory in 8 cases (15.68%), dissatisfactory in 1 case (1.96%). According to the Gartland-Werley Score System, the final results included: excellent in 19 cases (37.25%), good in 24 cases (47.00%), satisfactory in 7 cases (13.72%), dissatisfactory in 1 case (1.96%). This work also presents correlation between Residual Deformity score, Subjective Hardship score and Objective dysfunction, with the results obtained by Anatomical score and Gartland-Werley total score. The possibility of dissatisfactory results obtained by radiological screening followed by dissatisfactory outcome is described in literature; however, dissatisfactory screening results could be found in up to 31.7% of cases with satisfactory clinical findings. Our work records 15.7% of the latter cases. We might say that non-surgical treatment is not to be accepted as the only and exclusive approach to distal radius fracture. Thus, proper evaluation is mandatory.

Long-term outcome of nonsurgically treated distal radius fractures

PURPOSE

To study the long-term outcome after nonsurgically treated distal radius fractures including recovery of grip strength, mobility, and radiographic parameters.

METHODS

Eighty-seven patients, mean age 55 (range 19-78) years, treated with closed reduction and casts, were evaluated radiographically and clinically during the first 6 months and finally after 9-13 years. Fifty patients had extra-articular fractures (AO Class A), 4 had simple intra-articular fractures (AO Class B) and 33 had complete intra-articular fractures (AO Class C).

RESULTS

Fifty-two of 66 patients with unilateral fractures were, after 9-13 years, rated as excellent/good according to the Green and O'Brien score as modified by Cooney et al (GOBC score). Fracture class according to AO did not correlate to outcome. Considerable fracture displacements remained: dorsal angulation (mean 13 degrees in <60 y, 18 degrees in >/=60 y), greater radial shortening than initially (mean 2 mm in <60 y, 3 mm in >/=60 y). Five patients had remaining joint step-off (1-2 mm) after reduction, but only one developed mild osteoarthritis. Patients with an unsatisfactory outcome had sustained more displaced fractures that also healed with greater displacement. The remaining subjective complaints were pain or reduced function during heavier tasks. Outcome was not correlated to age. Wrist mobility returned notably faster than grip strength. Patients over 60 years of age recovered slower in both mobility and strength. Closed reduction and plaster improved dorsal angulation but not radial shortening.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that a number of patients with nonsurgically treated distal radius fractures still experience some hand/wrist impairment a decade after the trauma. The severity of fracture displacement seems to influence the clinical outcome in contrast to patients' age. Recovery of grip strength is slower than that of range of motion. Elderly patients recover more slowly than young patients. Dorsal angulation was improved but remained considerable (13 degrees -18 degrees ), while final radial shortening (2-3 mm) increased from the injury status.

Can radiological results be surrogate markers of functional outcome in distal radial extra-articular fractures?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between radiological and functional results in patients with extra-articular fractures of the distal radius. We conducted a prospective study of radiological and functional assessment in 95 consecutively selected extra-articular distal radius fractures. There were two patient groups: more than 60 and less than 60 years of age. The final fracture union radiographs were analysed for their functional outcome using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. In patients with acceptable radiological results, 62% (MHQ group) and 72% (DASH group) of patients had satisfactory functional outcome. Analysing patients with satisfactory functional results, 56% (MHQ group) and 59% (DASH group) had satisfactory radiological results. There was a higher proportion of patients with better functional results, despite poor radiological results, in both of the age groups. There was a statistically significant correlation between satisfactory radial tilt and functional outcome in the younger patients. In the older age group, patients with satisfactory radiological results had satisfactory functional outcome (p<0.05). However, in the older age group, satisfactory functional results were achieved, despite unsatisfactory radiological results.

Treatment of injuries to the ulnar side of the wrist occurring with distal radial fractures

We still do not know how to best treat the DRUJ condition that was recognized 200 years ago by Abraham Colles and later addressed in Frykman's classic thesis. To improve the outcome, we must recognize the differences be-tween osteoporotic and other fractures and understand the importance of ligament injuries,especially in patients under the osteoporotic age. However, our current problem is that neither the initial ligament injury nor the posttraumatic laxity is detectable with radiographic methods,which creates future challenges regarding diagnosis and treatment. We therefore have to critically analyze each fracture in each patient and be aware of the complexity of the entire injury to the wrist.

Predicting the outcome of distal radius fractures

There are myriad factors that affect patient satisfaction following a distal radius fracture, including anatomic alignment, age, motion, pain,and hand dominance to name a few. The seeming contradictions in the literature serve to illustrate that individual outcomes are not entirely predict-able because of the different functional demands,expectations, and pain tolerance for each patient. Elderly populations may tolerate greater degrees of residual deformity because of a more sedentary lifestyle. Unrecognized intracarpal pathology may account for poor results despite acceptable radiographic alignment. Possessing a knowledge of the predictive factors that affect adversely the functional outcome, however, does allow the surgeon to manage complications proactively to maximize the potential for an acceptable end result.

The radioulnar joint in distal radial fractures

We searched The Cochrane Library and Medline regarding the radioulnar joint in distal radial fractures and found no randomized or controlled studies. This review presents the descriptive literature by summarizing accepted views and controversies. There is only weak support for the commonly accepted treatments. Current research has shown that distal radial fractures are often associated with ligament injuries not seen on radiographs. These injuries can lead to laxity of the DRU-joint and subsequent worse outcome, which indicates that we must have a complete diagnosis including ligament injuries if we want to understand better the fracture and its sequelae. Randomized studies should be done before advocating surgical treatment of these unforeseen injuries.

Conservative treatment of redisplaced Colles' fractures in elderly patients older than 60 years old - anatomical and functional outcome

A retrospective study was carried out to compare the functional outcome in two groups of patients who were 60 years old or older. One group had Colles' fractures, which had been reduced and did not redisplace. The other group's fractures redisplaced and were treated conservatively. Of the 11 patients in the first group, 82% had excellent or good functional outcome, which was not significantly different when compared with the second group of 25 patients with 68% having excellent or good functional outcome.

Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intraarticular fractures of the distal radius. 31 patients followed for 3-7 years

We have used open reduction and internal fixation with a T-plate in 31 displaced, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius which were judged irreducible or in which closed reduction failed. The mean follow-up time was 4 (3-7) years. The dorsal angulation, the radial length, the articular step-off and the intraarticular gap between fragments were substantially improved after surgery. 30 patients had excellent or good extraarticular alignment, and only 1 patient had a postoperative intraarticular step-off of 2 mm. The function was excellent or good in 26 patients at follow-up. Complications occurred in 6 patients: 1 compartment syndrome, 1 postoperative wound infection, 2 ruptures of the extensor pollicis longus tendon, and 2 patients had median nerve paresthesias.