Trends in Distal Radius Fixation Reimbursement, Charge, and Utilization in the Medicare Population.

Background Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the second most common fragility fracture experienced by the elderly, and surgical management constitutes an appreciable sum of Medicare expenditure for upper extremity surgery. Using Medicare data from 2012 to 2017, our primary aim was to describe temporal changes in surgical treatment, physician payment, and patient charges for DRF fixation. Methods We examined surgical volumes and retrospective patient charge (services billed by surgeon) and surgeon payment (professional fee) data from 2012 to 2017 for four DRF surgeries: closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of extra-articular fractures, ORIF of intra-articular (IA) (2-fragment) fractures, and ORIF of IA (> 3 fragments) fractures. The reimbursement ratio was defined and calculated as the ratio of charges to payment. Rates were adjusted for inflation using the annual consumer-price index. Results For these four surgeries from 2012 to 2017, total patient charges grew by 64% from $117 to 193 million, while surgeon payment grew by 42% from $30 to 42 million. CRPP cases fell by 47%, while ORIF increased by 17, 14, and 45% for extra-articular, IA (2-fragment), and IA (> 3 fragments) surgeries, respectively. After adjusting for inflation, payment to physicians increased by more than or equal to 16% for all procedures except for CRPP, which fell by 2%. Charges during this same period increased from 13 to 38%. Reimbursement ratios declined from -9.2% to -13% for each procedure. Conclusion From 2012 to 2017, while charges have outpaced surgeon payment, payment has outpaced inflation for all forms of distal radius ORIF, aside from CRPP. There has been a continued sharp decline of CRPP. Level of Evidence is III, economic.

Evaluating the biomechanical performance of Ti6Al4V volar plates in patients with distal radius fractures.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical performance of three Ti6Al4V volar plates with the latest designs using a finite element model. Methods: An AO type 23-A3 distal radius fracture and the models of T plate (2.4 mm LCP Volar Distal Radius Plate), V plate (2.4 mm LCP Two-Column Volar Distal Radius Plate) and π Plate (2.4 mm Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate) (all from Depuy Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA, Ti6Al4V) were built in 3D-matic software. After assembling the internal fixation and fractures, we imported these models into the finite element analysis software (ABAQUS). An axial loading of 100 N was added to the distal end of each model. The displacements of total models and implants, the principal strains and the von Mises stresses in the plates were calculated and compared to capture the biomechanical features of the three plates. Results: The T plate, V plate and π plate represented a model displacement of 0.8414 mm, 1.134 mm and 1.936 mm, respectively. The T plate was with the implant displacement of 0.7576 mm, followed by the V plate (0.8802 mm) and the π plate (1.545 mm). The T plate had the smallest principal strain of 0.23%, the V plate showed an intermediate level of 0.28%, and the π plate had a value of 0.72%. The least peak von Mises stress was observed in the V plate with 263.6MPa, and this value was 435.6 MPa and 1050 MPa in the T plate and π plate, respectively. Conclusion: The biomechanical features of three Ti6Al4V volar locking plates in an AO type 23-A3 fracture were described in our analysis. The T plate and the V plate showed similar biomechanical performance while the π plate represented worse performance than the other two plates.

CT Based Characterization of Volar Surface of Distal Radius: Can an Ideal Volar Plate for Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures be Designed?

Background: Literature has limited evidence concerning the morphology of volar surface of distal radius. A mismatch between the plate-contour and contour of the actual volar bony surface can result in malreduction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the normal curvature morphology of volar surface of distal radius and related parameters that can help in designing of the volar plates for fixation of distal radial fractures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CT scans of uninjured healthy distal radii performed during a one year period (2018-2019). The mediolateral extent of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral curve of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral surface angle between intermediate column and radial column of distal radius, the curvatures and locations of their vertices for radial and intermediate columns were measured. Results: A total of 84 CT-based studies were analyzed. The mediolateral extent of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral curve of the pronator quadratus line, and the mediolateral surface angle between intermediate column and radial column of the distal radius were 24.27 mm, 144.8 degrees and 163.1 degrees, respectively. The mean volar curvatures of the radial and intermediate columns were 156.5 and 151.4 degrees, respectively and distances of their vertices from the pronator-quadratus line were 10.96 mm and 14.13 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Considerable variations occur in curvature morphology of distal radial volar surface. A best fit rather than an anatomical fit can be considered during implant selection owing to these variations. Besides volar curvature of radial and ulnar columns, location of their vertices, mediolateral angulation and surface curvature between these columns at the level of watershed line should also be considered in plate selection. A combination of a few serial increments of the described parameters in the designs of volar fixation plates would be helpful for surgeons in the best implant selection.

Splinting after Distal Radius Fracture Fixation: A Prospective Cohort Analysis of Postoperative Plaster Splint versus Soft Dressing.

Background The effect of postoperative dressing and splinting after distal radius fracture (DRF) open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is not well understood. A prospective cohort analysis was performed to assess differences in functional and radiographic outcomes with the use of plaster splinting or soft dressing following DRF ORIF. Methods All patients undergoing DRF ORIF with locking volar plates were consecutively enrolled. Preoperative demographic and postoperative radiographic and functional outcome data were collected at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Functional data included range of motion (ROM), pain on visual analog scale (VAS), Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), and quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Radiographic data included loss of fracture reduction. Results A total of 139 patients were enrolled (79 plaster splinting, 60 soft dressing). By the first postoperative visit (POV), there was one case of loss of reduction with plaster splinting and one case with soft dressing with no hardware failure or revision surgery in either group, and no difference in DASH, PRWE, or VAS pain scores. By the final POV, the soft dressing group showed greater ROM in extension by 9.6, flexion by 10.9, and supination by 4.8 degrees over plaster splinting. Additionally, the soft dressing group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in PRWE and DASH scores, as well as VAS pain scores as compared with plaster splinting. Conclusions Applying only soft dressing following DRF ORIF demonstrated improvements in ROM, VAS, and functional outcomes by final follow-up, with no significant differences in radiographic outcomes. No benefit of applying a plaster splint was identified.

Dorsal or Volar Plate Fixation of the Distal Radius: Does the Complication Rate Help Us to Choose?

BACKGROUND: Internal fixation with plates is a reliable fixation technique for the treatment of distal radius fractures. An ongoing discussion exists whether volar or dorsal plating is the appropriate technique. In clinical practice, volar plate fixation is usually preferred because of the assumed lower complication frequency. However, recent studies with the newer generation low-profile dorsal plates reported lower complication rates. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the differences in complication rates between volar and dorsal plate for the treatment of distal radius fractures in adult patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 214 patients with acute distal radius fractures were included in this retrospective study with a minimum 2 years of follow-up. In total, 123 patients were treated with dorsal plate fixation and 91 patients with volar plate fixation. Our primary study outcome was complication rate. RESULTS: The overall risk for complications was 15.4% in the dorsal group and 14.3% in the volar group (p = 0.81). A total of 19 patients had implant removal due to complications: 11 patients in the dorsal group and 8 patients in the volar group (p = 0.97). CONCLUSION: There is no preferred plate fixation technique based on these study results. In our opinion, decision for type of plate fixation should be based on fracture type and surgeon's experience with the specific approach and plate types. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Assessment of penetration of dorsal screws after fixation of the distal radius using ultrasound: cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: Volar locking plates are used to treat unstable and displaced fractures of the distal radius. Potential advantages of stable anatomical reduction (eg early mobilisation) can be limited by penetration of dorsal screws, leading to synovitis and potential rupture of extensor tendons. Despite intraoperative imaging, penetration of dorsal screws continues to be a problem in volar plating of the distal radius. Ultrasound is a well recognised, readily available, diagnostic tool used to assess soft-tissue impingement by orthopaedic hardware. In this cadaveric study, we wished to ascertain the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for identification of protrusion of dorsal screws after volar plating of the distal radius. METHODS: Four adult, unpaired phenol-embalmed cadaveric distal radii were used. A VariAx™ Distal Radius Volar Locking Plate system (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) was employed for instrumented fixation. A portable SIUI CTS 900 ultrasound machine (Providian Medical, Eastlake, OH, USA) was used to image the dorsal cortex to ascertain screw penetration. RESULTS: Specificity and sensitivity of ultrasound for detection of screw protrusion through the dorsal cortex was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound was found to be a safe and accurate method for assessment of dorsal-screw penetration through the dorsal cortex of the radius after volar plating of the distal radius. It also aids diagnosis of associated tendon disorders (eg tenosynovitis) that might cause pain and limit wrist function.

Osteosíntesis percutánea con placas volares bloqueadas en fracturas metafisarias distales de radio. Descripción de la técnica y resultados preliminares / Percutaneous volar locked plate fixation in metaphyseal fractures of distal radius. Technical description and preliminary results

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados objetivos y subjetivos obtenidos luego de una osteosíntesis con placas en T bloqueadas volares, colocadas mediante una técnica mínimamente invasiva, en fracturas de radio distal con extensión metafisaria. Materiales y Métodos: Evaluación retrospectiva de seis pacientes adultos que presentaron fracturas inestables de radio distal, extrarticulares o articulares parciales, con extensión metafisaria, tratadas quirúrgicamente con placas en T largas de compresión bloqueadas volares, mediante una técnica mínimamente invasiva, entre 2007 y 2012. Edad promedio: 40.17 años. Fracturas de tipo 23A3 (n=6) de la Clasificación AO/OTA. Se realizó la reducción indirecta, bajo radioscopia y, a través de dos pequeñas incisiones, se deslizó, en forma percutánea, una placa bloqueada volar en T. Se analizaron los parámetros radiográficos, el rango de movimiento y la fuerza. Los resultados subjetivos fueron evaluados usando la escala DASH y la escala analógica visual. Resultados: Tiempo de consolidación promedio: 2.4 meses. Los resultados radiográficos no mostraron diferencias significativas entre el primero y el último control al año de seguimiento. Flexión y extensión promedio: 70° y 60°, pronación y supinación: 79° y 80°, respectivamente. Fuerza de prensión promedio: 78,4%. Puntaje DASH 19,82; escala analógica visual 1,5 puntos. Conclusiones: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas reducen el daño quirúrgico y las complicaciones. Son una opción en pacientes con daño grave de partes blandas, conminución metafisaria y trauma de alta energía. La colocación de placas volares bloqueadas percutáneas es un procedimiento técnicamente demandante, permite obtener fijaciones estables y restaurar la anatomía radial en fracturas de radio distal con extensión metafisaria.

Objective: To evaluate objective and subjective outcomes after closed reduction and minimally invasive volar locked T-plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated six patients treated with minimally invasive volar locked T-plate osteosynthesis for unstable extra-articular or partial articular distal radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement, between 2007 and 2012. Average age: 40.17 years. According to the AO/OTA classification, all patients had 23A3 type fractures. Indirect reduction was performed. Two volar small incisions were made; a volar locked compression T-plate was introduced in the sub-muscular plane, under radioscopic guidance. Analysis included radiological parameters, range of motion and strength. Subjective results were assessed using DASH score and the Visual Analogue Scale. Results: All fractures healed within 2.4 months. Radiographic outcomes showed no differences between the first postoperative control and the last one at one-year follow-up. Average flexion and extension 70° and 60°, pronation and supination: 79° and 80°. Grip strength: 78.4%. DASH score 19.82 and visual analogue scale: 1.5 points. Conclusions: Minimally invasive technique decreases surgical injury and complications. It is an option in patients with metaphyseal comminution, severe soft tissue injuries and high energy trauma. Percutaneous volar locked compression plate allows to obtain a stable fixation and to restore distal radius anatomy in radius fractures with metaphyseal involvement.

Two peg spade plate for distal radius fractures: A novel technique.

BACKGROUND: The management of distal radius fractures raises considerable debate among orthopedic surgeons. The amount of axial shortening of the radius correlates with the functional disability after the fracture. Furthermore, articular incongruity has been correlated with the development of arthritis at the radiocarpal joint. We used two peg volar spade plate to provide a fixed angle subchondral support in comminuted distal radius fractures with early mobilization of the joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients (26 males and 14 females) from a period between January 2009 and December 2011 were treated with two peg volar spade plate fixation for distal radius fracture after obtaining reduction using a mini external fixator. Patients were evaluated using the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley and Sarmiento modification of Lindstrom criteria at final followup of 24 months. RESULTS: The average age was 43.55 years (range 23-57 years). Excellent to good results were seen in 85% (n = 34) and in all patients when rated according to the demerit point system of Gartland and Werley and Sarmiento modification of Lindstrom criteria, respectively. Complications observed were wrist stiffness in 5% (n = 2) and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in 2.5% (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The two peg volar spade plate provides a stable subchondral support in comminuted intraarticular fractures and maintains reduction in osteoporotic fractures of the distal radius. Early mobilization with this implant helps in restoring wrist motion and to prevent development of wrist stiffness.

Combined volar and dorsal plating for complex comminuted distal radial fractures.

PURPOSE: To review outcomes of combined volar and dorsal locked plating for AO type-C3 complex comminuted distal radial fractures. METHODS: Records of 24 patients aged 17 to 77 (mean, 53.3) years who underwent combined volar and dorsal locked plating for AO type-C3 distal radial fractures with volar and dorsal metaphyseal and intra-articular comminution were reviewed. 21 were closed fractures, and 3 were Gustilo-Anderson type-1 open fractures. Bone union, volar tilt, radial inclination, radial height, range of motion, grip strength, and any complications were assessed by a single hand surgeon. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 17 (range, 14-25) months, the mean palmar flexion was 49º (range, 30º-80º), dorsiflexion was 52º (range, 30º-80º), supination was 86º (range, 60º-90º), pronation was 77º (range, 30º-90º), radial deviation was 16º (range, 5º-30º), and ulnar deviation was 27º (range, 10º-50º). The mean grip strength of the injured hand was 69.2% of the uninjured side. The mean time to radiological union was 3.9 (range, 2.5-6.0) months; no patient had non-union. At the time of union, the mean volar tilt was 5º (-22º-14º), radial inclination was 18.6º (8º-28º), and radial height was 8.5 mm (5.0 mm-13.6 mm). One patient had collapse of the dorsal fragment resulting in a dorsal tilt of 22º and limited (30º) forearm pronation. The severity of dorsal metaphyseal comminution had not been recognised and bone grafting was not performed. The patient also had minor complications of little finger flexor tendon irritation and carpal tunnel syndrome. She underwent implant removal and carpal tunnel release at 8 months. One patient had implant-related extensor digitorum communis irritation. Another patient had non-specific chronic wrist pain, which was resolved at one year. No patient had infection, tendon rupture, or complex regional pain syndrome. Four patients underwent implant removal, including 2 who had no implant-related problems. CONCLUSION: Combined volar and dorsal plating enables early mobilisation and good outcome for certain complex comminuted distal radial fractures.

Curative effect of simple volar or dorsal plating in the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To compare the clinical effect of simple volar or dorsal plate fixation of intra-articular distal radius fracture.Methods This retrospective study included 42 patients with closed intra-articular distal radius fracture treated surgically using the dorsal or volar plate.Out of the 15 patients in dorsal plating group 5 were males and 10 females at age of (55 ± 7)years (range, 48-62 years), 13 were injured from falls and 2 traffic accidents, 10 were classified as AO type C3 and 5 AO type C2.Out of the 27 patients in volar plating group 8 were males and 19 females at age of (56 ± 6)years (range, 50-62 years), 24 were injured from falls and 3 traffic accidents, 17 were classified as AO type C3 and 10 AO type C2.Between-group differences were compared with respect to wrist range of motion, postoperative radiographic parameters, postoperative complications, disabilities of the ann, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Gartland-Werley score.Results All the patients were followed up for 11-25 months.There were no significant differences in the wrist range of motion and radiographic parameters between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Volar plating group resulted in a significantly better Gartland-Werley score compared to dorsal plating group [1 vs 4 points, P ＜ 0.05], but no significant difference was noted in DASH score (P ＞ 0.05).Four patients (27％) in dorsal plating group developed tendon adhesions and tenolysis was in demand, but one patients (4％) in volar plating group was complicated by median nerve symptoms (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Although the DASH score of the two methods was similar, volar plating yields better results in Gartland-Werley score and complication incidence.Thus the volar plating is recommended for intra-articular distal radius fracture.

DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES IN PATIENTS OVER 60 YEARS OLD: ORTHOGONAL PLATES VERSUS VOLAR PLATE.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results from surgical treatment between volar plates with angular stability and orthogonal plates in unstable distal radius fractures, in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups that were treated with volar plates or orthogonal plates. Clinical and radiographic results were analyzed prospectively. RESULTS: The study groups presented similar clinical and radiographic results six months after the operation. However, three months after the surgery, the volar plate group had superior results. CONCLUSION: Both group presented good functional results. Surgical treatment enabled early rehabilitation. The orthogonal plate technique required a longer learning curve, presented more complications and worse initial results.

Fratura distal do rádio em pacientes com mais de 60 anos: placas ortogonais versus placa volar / Distal radial fractures in patients over 60 years old: orthogonal plates versus volar plate

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico entre placa volar com estabilidade angular e placas ortogonais em fraturas instáveis de rádio distal em pacientes com mais de 60 anos. MÉTODOS: Pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos tratados com placa volar ou placas ortogonais. Resultados clínicos e radiográficos foram analisados prospectivamente. RESULTADOS: Os grupos de estudo apresentaram resultados clínicos e radiográficos semelhantes seis meses após a operação. No entanto três meses após a cirurgia, o grupo onde foi utilizada a placa volar obteve resultados superiores. CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os grupos apresentaram bons resultados funcionais. O tratamento cirúrgico facilita a reabilitação precoce. A técnica das placas ortogonais requer uma curva de aprendizado maior e apresentou mais complicações e piores resultados iniciais.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results from surgical treatment between volar plates with angular stability and orthogonal plates of unstable distal radius fractures in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: Selected patients were randomized in two groups treated with volar plates or orthogonal plates. Clinic al and radiographic results were analyzed prospectively. RESULTS: The study groups presented similar clinical and radiographic results six months after the operation. However three months after surgery the volar plate group obtained superior results considering most of the parameters studied. CONCLUSION: Both the volar plates and the orthogonal plates presented good functional results. Surgical treatment enabled early rehabilitation for these patients. Orthogonal plate technique required a longer learning curve, presented more complications and worst early results.