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

I read the article by Sharad et al.1 with great interest. I was impressed by the extrapolation of the principle of fixed angle blade, which is used in the supracondylar fractures of the femur.2

However, I would like to mention few possible drawbacks of procedure. First, the length of the pegs appears to be fixed, and it could irritate the extensor tendon if they are longer or a need may arise to cut the length of the peg.3 Second, the technique to fix the blade or the peg of fixed angle device is difficult as these slots need to be engaged first and followed by the shaft screws, unlike the technique of fixing the shaft screws first. Finally, there is sufficient literature to support the evidence of good stability for the use of volar fixed angle locking plates with screws or pegs.4 Hence, I would probably suggest using this technique or device with the due considerations to above facts and also it appears that there is an attempt to trace history by using a fixed angle device to fix a fracture, where as the trend is shifting toward locking plates.

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Conflicts of interest

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