[Translated article] Immobilisation with compression bandage vs. antebraquial splint in distal radius fractures operated by open reduction and locking plate. Randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is a lack of prospective studies to unify criteria about type and time for postoperative immobilisation in surgical distal radius fractures. The aim of this study is to compare functional and radiological results in two groups of distal radius fractures treated with internal fixation with locking plate, and immobilised with antebrachial splint or compression bandage for 3 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A randomised clinical trial was carried out with two parallel groups with 3, 6, and 12 weeks of follow-up. Main and secondary functional variables were measured, such as pain on VAS scale, values on PRWE, DASH and MRS scale, range of motion in flexion-extension, complications, etc. In addition, some radiological variables were measured at preoperative period and one week after surgery, such as union time, dorsal displacement, shortening, ulnar variance, etc. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were evaluated: 27 immobilised with bandage and 35 with splint. Analysis of the results obtained showed significant differences in both groups for almost all radiological variables from pre to postoperative period, and for all functional variables from 3 to 12 weeks after surgery. No significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the radiological and functional variables evaluated (VAS 3-12 weeks: p=.584; PWRE 3-12 weeks: p=.248; flexion range of motion 3-12 weeks: p=.959; extension range of motion: p=.50; union time: p=.89). CONCLUSIONS: We do not find clinical or radiological differences between immobilisation with antebrachial splint or compression bandage for distal radius fractures operated with locking plate. A greater number of patients and follow-up are necessary to extrapolate the results to the general population and to establish criteria for good postoperative management of these fractures.

Immobilization with compression bandage vs antebraquial splint in distal radius fractures operated by open reduction and locking plate. Randomized clinical trial. / Inmovilización con vendaje compresivo vs férula antebraquial en fracturas de radio distal intervenidas mediante reducción abierta y placa bloqueada. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is a lack of prospective studies to unify criteria about type and time for postoperative immobilization in surgical distal radius fractures. The aim of this study is to compare functional and radiological results in two groups of distal radius fractures treated with internal fixation with locking plate, and immobilized with antebrachial splint or compression bandage for 3weeks. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A randomized clinical trial was carried out with two parallel groups with 3, 6, and 12weeks of follow-up. Main and secondary functional variables were measured, such as pain on VAS scale, values on PRWE, DASH and MRS scale, range of motion in flexion-extension, complications, etc. In addition, some radiological variables were measured at preoperative period and one week after surgery, such as union time, dorsal displacement, shortening, ulnar variance, etc. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were evaluated: 27 immobilized with bandage and 35 with splint. Analysis of the results obtained showed significant differences in both groups for almost all radiological variables from pre to postoperative period, and for all functional variables from 3 to 12weeks after surgery. No significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the radiological and functional variables evaluated (VAS 3-12weeks: P=.584; PWRE 3-12weeks: P=.248; flexion range of motion 3-12weeks: P=.959; extension range of motion: P=.50; union time: P=.89). CONCLUSIONS: We do not find clinical or radiological differences between immobilization with antebrachial splint or compression bandage for distal radius fractures operated with locking plate. A greater number of patients and follow-up are necessary to extrapolate the results to the general population and to establish criteria for good postoperative management of these fractures.

Fractura de radio distal: abordaje mininvasivo con preservación del pronador cuadrado / Distal radius fracture: minimally invasive approach with pronator quadratus preservation

Objetivo: Describir y analizar una técnica de osteosíntesis palmar de radio distal con preservación del pronador cuadrado. Materiales y Métodos: Se revisaron, en forma retrospectiva, 24 pacientes operados con esta técnica (16 mujeres y 8 hombres; edad promedio 65 años). Doce fracturas eran de tipo A; 7, de tipo B y 5, de tipo C. La técnica quirúrgica consiste en practicar una incisión cutánea de 25 mm y profundizar hasta observar el pronador cuadrado. Sin seccionarlo, se realiza una disección de su borde distal, a fin de introducir la placa bloqueada volar por debajo del músculo. Se colocan los tornillos distales bajo visión directa y los tornillos proximales, en forma percutánea. La evaluación posoperatoria se llevó a cabo mediante análisis clínico-funcional y radiográfico. Resultados: En el último control, todos los pacientes presentaban signos clínicos y radiográficos de consolidación ósea. El puntaje en la escala DASH fue, en promedio, de 4,8. Se observó una inclinación palmar posoperatoria de la superficie articular del radio de 14,3º promedio y una inclinación radial de 26,3º promedio. No se detectaron complicaciones relacionadas con la fractura, el implante o la herida quirúrgica en ninguno de los controles posoperatorios. Conclusiones: Sin bien no existe bibliografía que demuestre que la técnica mininvasiva sea superior, sostenemos que el hecho de obtener resultados similares con ambos abordajes (mininvasivo y convencional) justifica llevar a cabo esta técnica con preservación del pronador cuadrado, sobre todo en los pacientes preocupados por el aspecto estético de la cicatriz. Nivel de evidencia: IV.

Objective: To describe and analyze a volar locking plate technique for distal radius fractures with pronator quadratus preservation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent minimally invasive approach (16 women, 8 men; mean age 65 years). Twelve fractures were type A, 7 type B and 5 type C. The surgical technique involves making an incision of 25 mm and deepened to expose the pronator quadratus. Afterwards, a distal edge dissection of the pronator quadratus is performed in order to introduce the volar locking plate under the muscle. Distal screws are placed under direct vision and proximal screws are placed percutaneously. Postoperative evaluation included clinical, functional and radiological analyses. Results: At last control, all patients had clinical and radiographic signs of bone healing. The average score on the DASH scale was 4.8 points. Postoperative average volar tilt was 14.3° and the average radial inclination was 26.3°. There were no complications related to the fracture, implant or surgical wound in the postoperative controls. Conclusions: Although we did not obtain better results with this technique than with the conventional one, and there is no literature available which demonstrates that the minimally invasive technique is superior, we believe that the fact of getting similar results with both approaches justifies carrying out this technique with pronator quadratus preservation, especially in patients concerned about the cosmetic appearance of the scar. Level of evidence: IV.

Distal radius fractures: Should we use supplemental bone grafts or substitutites in cases of severe osteoporotic or conminution?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the need of bone graft or bone substitutes in unstable distal radius fractures (DRF) treated with locking compression plates (LCP) PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational and prospective study was conducted on 60 patients with DRF AO-type A3 and AO-type C3, treated surgically by LCP plates without bone grafts or substitutes. Ranges of motion in flexion (F), extension (E), pronation (P), and supination (S) were measured in the injured wrist and compared with the healthy contralateral wrist. X-ray parameters: palmar tilt (PT), radial inclination (RI), ulnar variance (UV), and radial height (RH) were calculated in the injured wrist one year after surgery and then compared, with those parameters in the healthy contralateral wrist and in the follow-up postoperative x-ray of the injured wrist. PRWE and DASH scores were used to evaluate patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The range of motion loss was F 12° ± 16.1°, E 9° ± 13.1°, P 2.5° ± 7.5°, and S 5°±10°, but they remained within functional parameters. Good results were also obtained in the PRWE and DASH scores (DASH 12.6 ± 14.16 and PRWE 9.5 ± 9.5). All the fractures were healed without significant collapse (IP 0.55 ± 1.7°, IR 0.31 ± 1.5°, VC 0.25±0.8mm, and AR 0.1 ± 0.9 mm). CONCLUSIONS: All fractures healed without problems or with significant loss of reduction. Bone graft and bone substitutes are not mandatory for treatment of unstable DRF with LCP plates. Their use increases the cost and is not exempt of morbidities. This study also reinforces the role of LCP plates in surgical treatment of unstable DRF.

Fijación interna transarticular como tratamiento de fracturas articulares complejas de radio distal. Resultados preliminares / Transarticular internal fixation for the treatment of articular complex fractures of the distal radius. Preliminary results

Introducción: El tratamiento de las fracturas articulares complejas del tercio distal del radio con extensión metafisiaria representan un reto terapéutico. Una opción de tratamiento es la fijación interna "tipo puente" transarticular dorsal con placa. Material y métodos: Nueve pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se utilizaron placas DCP, LC-DCP y LCP de 3,5mm Ø de 12, 14 y 16 orificios. El seguimiento fue de 8,33 ± (6-14) meses. Para la valoración de resultados se utilizó la escala radiológica de Montoya y las escalas funcionales "Mayo Wrist Score" y "Quick Dash". Resultados: Todas las fracturas consolidaron en un promedio de 79,11 días. A los 6 meses del seguimiento, el promedio de flexión de la muñeca fue 48º, 49° de extensión, 65° de supinación y 64° de pronación. Según la escala de Montoya el 66,67% presentó consolidación de la fractura Grado III. Según el Mayo Wrist Score 55,56% obtuvieron un resultado satisfactorio. Según el Quick Dash se alcanzó un promedio de 20,21 puntos de discapacidad. Discusión: El uso de la fijación interna transarticular dorsal con la placa 3,5 mm Ø puede ser una técnica efectiva para el tratamiento de fracturas articulares complejas de radio distal. Esta técnica debe ser acompañada de un esquema de rehabilitación post operatorio agresivo(AU)

Introduction: The treatment of complex articular of distal radius fractures with metaphyseal extension represent a therapeutic challenge. One treatment option is "bridge type" internal transarticular fixation with dorsal plate. Material and methods: Nine patients were included. 12, 14 and 16 holes DCP, LC-DCP and LCP plates 3.5 mm Ø were used. The mean follow-up was 8.33 ± (6-14) months. For the assessment of the radiological results Montoya scale was used, and for functional results "Mayo Wrist Score" and "Quick DASH". Results: All fractures healed at an average of 79.11 days. At 6 months follow-up, the average wrist flexion was 48°, with 49° of extension , 65° of supination and 64° of pronation. 66.67% reach Grade III fracture by Montoya scale. 55.56 % obtained a satisfactory result according to Mayo Wrist Score. According to Quick Dash, mean 20,21 points disabilities was reached. Discussion: The use of transarticular internal fixation with dorsal 3.5 mm Ø plate can be an effective technique for the treatment of complex articular fractures of the distal radius. This technique should be accompanied by an outline of aggressive post operative rehabilitation(AU)