Proximal radial shaft fracture fixated by a metaphyseal plate lateral to the radius through the Henry approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of using the Henry approach to expose and place a metaphyseal bone plate laterally to fixate a proximal radial shaft fracture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was done of the 5 proximal radial shaft fractures (defined as the fracture involving the extent between the radial tuberosity to the insertion of the pronator teres) which had been treated from April 2018 to June 2019 at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital through the Henry approach to place a metaphyseal plate laterally to the radius for fixation. There were 2 males and 3 females, aged from 16 to 59 years (average, 41.4 years), with 3 cases on the left side and 2 cases on the right side. The imaging data, fracture healing time, forearm pronation-supination, and visual analogue scale (VAS) of the patients were regularly followed up; the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated at the last follow-up using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH), Anderson and Grace-Eversmann evaluations.Results:The 5 patients were followed up for 7 to 16 months (average, 10.6 months). Their fracture healing time averaged 4.6 months, elbow flexion 146°, extension -2°, pronation 77°, and supination 88°. In postoperative VAS, 4 cases scored a 0 point and one case 1 point. At the last follow-up, their Quick-DASH scores averaged 4.1 points; by the Anderson evaluation, 5 cases were excellent; by the Grace-Eversmann evaluation, 4 cases were excellent and one case was good. No postoperative complication was observed.Conclusion:It is an effective treatment of proximal radial shaft fracture to use the Henry approach to expose and place a 3.5mm metaphyseal plate laterally to the radius for fixation.