Steffi S I Falk1, Thomas Mittlmeier2, Georg Gradl3. 1. Clinic of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055, Rostock, Germany. steffi.falk@med.uni-rostock.de. 2. Clinic of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055, Rostock, Germany. 3. Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Clinic of Trauma, Orthopaedic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Clinic Harlaching, Sanatoriumsplatz 2, 81545, Munich, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures have great impact on activities of daily living of affected patients. Repeatedly, a non-anatomic restoration of the volar tilt can be observed in a minimum of 20% in postoperative X-ray control examinations. Hence, the question arises whether the achieved reduction is functionally acceptable, or whether a further attempt should be made to improve the surgical outcome. METHODS: The data presented here originate from a prospective analysis including three therapy studies on surgical treatment options for fractures of the distal radius between 2004 and 2011. For this study, the participants were divided into two groups: The first group represents the cases with non-anatomical restoration of the volar tilt with - 5° to 5°. The second group contains patients with an anatomical volar tilt between 6° and 15°. RESULTS: A total of 624 patients were screened according to the inclusion criteria. Radiological evaluation showed consolidation of all fractures. The mean volar tilt as measured in standard x-rays of the wrist was 0° and 8°, respectively. The range of wrist motion in relation of the healthy opposite side was comparable in all directions (for example comparison group 1: Ext/Flex 94/94%; group 2: Ext/Flex 93/93%). Functional assessment of postoperative midterm results employing the Castaing and Gartland & Werley scores 2.3 years after surgery did not reveal significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the available data, a volar tilt in the range of - 5° to 5° can be tolerated intraoperatively without any risk of loss of function regarding the patient's manual abilities.
PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures have great impact on activities of daily living of affected patients. Repeatedly, a non-anatomic restoration of the volar tilt can be observed in a minimum of 20% in postoperative X-ray control examinations. Hence, the question arises whether the achieved reduction is functionally acceptable, or whether a further attempt should be made to improve the surgical outcome. METHODS: The data presented here originate from a prospective analysis including three therapy studies on surgical treatment options for fractures of the distal radius between 2004 and 2011. For this study, the participants were divided into two groups: The first group represents the cases with non-anatomical restoration of the volar tilt with - 5° to 5°. The second group contains patients with an anatomical volar tilt between 6° and 15°. RESULTS: A total of 624 patients were screened according to the inclusion criteria. Radiological evaluation showed consolidation of all fractures. The mean volar tilt as measured in standard x-rays of the wrist was 0° and 8°, respectively. The range of wrist motion in relation of the healthy opposite side was comparable in all directions (for example comparison group 1: Ext/Flex 94/94%; group 2: Ext/Flex 93/93%). Functional assessment of postoperative midterm results employing the Castaing and Gartland & Werley scores 2.3 years after surgery did not reveal significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the available data, a volar tilt in the range of - 5° to 5° can be tolerated intraoperatively without any risk of loss of function regarding the patient's manual abilities.
Authors: J Martín; F Torre; A Padierna; U Aguirre; N González; B Matellanes; J M Quintana Journal: Int J Clin Pract Date: 2014-02-20 Impact factor: 2.503