Malunited distal radius fractures

ABSTRACT

In this prospective study, 64 malunited distal radial fractures were operated upon for the correction of the deformity and restoration of the normal anatomical relationship in the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint [DRUJ]. Postoperatively, the patients were involved in an intensive rehabilitation program till restoration of the maximum functional recovery. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The final results were assessed both clinically and radiologically with correlation to the type of fracture and timing of the surgical intervention. Fifty-one patients in this series had excellent results, ten had good, three had fair, and none was rated as poor. The study revealed that thorough preoperative assessments of the plain X-rays, CT, and/or MRI and operative restoration of the normal anatomical relations are essential to achieve good results in these difficult cases