There have been major advances in the treatment of distal radius fractures over the past 20 years. Specifically, the development of the volar locking plate in 2001 and the subsequent improvements in its design and performance have enabled the treatment of distal radius fractures that were previously considered difficult to treat. The volar plate is used for fractures and shows good results with anatomical reduction and firm fixation. However, when trying to apply it to more complex fractures, there are still difficulties related to the unique anatomical structure of the distal radius, and there are also several factors that can impair joint function and cause pain after surgery. In this review, the factors to be considered to ensure better outcomes during ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation), and external fixation in the treatment of distal radial fractures are described. The review also details the common accompanying injuries and management methods.
Perilunate dislocations and perilunate fracture-dislocations are one of the most severe forms of wrist injuries and are generally caused by high-energy trauma such as falls from a height or traffic accidents. Prompt recognition and immediate, gentle closed reduction are critical, but diagnosis can often be missed at the initial presentation. The current standard management is open reduction, ligamentous and bony repair, and supplemental fixation for the protection of the repair. The pathomechanics of the injury, diagnosis by plain wrist radiographs, closed reduction techniques, current surgical treatments, and complications are presented in this review.
Fractures around the wrist are the third most common fracture among all pediatric fractures. Furthermore, distal radius fractures, a type of wrist fracture, are the most common fractures in children. Understanding pediatric fractures around the wrist is very important considering their prevalence. There is a specific belief that pediatric fractures can heal easily because of remodeling, but not all fractures can heal without proper treatment. Complications such as growth problems, nonunion can occur if the fracture is not treated properly. This paper reviewed recent articles about distal radius fractures, Galeazzi-equivalent fractures, and carpal bone fractures, including scaphoid fractures in children and adolescents. Successful treatment can be achieved without complications when an accurate diagnosis and proper non-surgical or surgical treatment are performed based on this article.
The wrist joint is formed by the distal end of the radius and ulna proximally, and eight carpal bones distally. It has many ligaments to maintain stability of the complex bony structures. The incidence of ligament injuries of the wrist has increased due to sports activities. However, diagnosis and management of these injuries are sometimes difficult because of the anatomic complexity and variable injury patterns. Among them, scapholunate ligament injury and triangular fibrocartilage tears are the two most common injuries resulting in chronic disabling wrist pain. Thorough understanding of the wrist anatomy and physical and radiologic examination is mandatory for proper diagnosis and management of these conditions. This article will briefly discuss the wrist joint anatomy and biomechanics, and review the diagnosis and management of the scapholunate ligament injury and triangular fibrocartilage injury.
The wrist joint is a complicated structure composed of many bones and ligaments. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and the biomechanics of the wrist is important in order to administer proper treatment for patients. To easily understand the complicated structure, there were many trials to unite the complicated structure with a simple group such as the carpal row concept and the carpal column concept. Movement and load transfer along the wrist joint occurs with balanced action between carpal bones. To evaluate this static equilibrium, measuring tools such as carpal height ratio are used. When wrist flexion/extension occurs, each carpal row moves synchronously with action of the scaphoid. In contrast with flexion/extension, when wrist radial deviation/ulnar deviation occurs, the proximal carpal row moves in the sagittal plane, instead of the coronal plane. Recently, the dart throwing motion which occurred from the position of dorsiflexion with radial deviation to volar flexion with ulnar deviation is considered the main movement of the wrist joint.
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Association between carpal height ratio and ulnar variance in normal wrist radiography Anas AR Altamimi, Monther A. Gharaibeh, Muntaser Abu Shokor, Moh’d S. Dawod, Mohammad N. Alswerki, Omar M. Al-Odat, Raghda H. Elkhaldi BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Reliability and concurrent validity of a new iPhone® goniometric application for measuring active wrist range of motion: a cross‐sectional study in asymptomatic subjects Mohammad Reza Pourahmadi, Ismail Ebrahimi Takamjani, Javad Sarrafzadeh, Mehrdad Bahramian, Mohammad Ali Mohseni‐Bandpei, Fatemeh Rajabzadeh, Morteza Taghipour Journal of Anatomy.2017; 230(3): 484. CrossRef
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the Kapandji procedure in AO classification type C distal radius fracture patients over 60 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-one type C distal radius fracture patients over the age of 60 years who were treated with the Kapandji procedure from June 2004 to June 2009 in our hospital and had a post-operative follow-up period of more than 1 year were enrolled. The volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured for the radiographic analysis using the modified Lidstrom scoring system about post-operative reduction loss in every follow-up radiogram. The clinical result was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score at the last follow-up. RESULTS The mean radiologic loss of volar tilt was 1.1degrees and the mean loss of radial length was 2.6 mm and the mean radial inclination loss was 2.7degrees compared with the immediate post-operative period and last follow-up period. The average VAS and DASH scores were 1.4 and 15.9. CONCLUSION The radiologic results of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using the Kapandji technique for distal radius AO type C fracture patients over 60 years of age was not satisfactory. Nevertheless, the clinical results were satisfactory.
PURPOSE To evaluate the usefulness of wrist arthroscopic examination in patient with persistent pain after the triquetral dorsal chip fracture and also to determine its relationship with TFCC injury in the triquetral dorsal chip fracture patient manifesting persistent pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study is based on six cases presenting persistent pain in the ulnar aspect after the triqeutral posterior cord fracture that were treated conservatively. Wrist arthroscopy was carried out for all six cases. All were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated using VAS pain scale, grip power, ulnar grind test, Kleinman shearing test and lunotriquetral ballottment test. RESULTS Preoperatively, ulnar grind test yielded positive results in all six cases, Kleiman shearing test proved positive in three cases and lunotriquetral ballottment test yielded positive result in one case. In the arthroscopic findings, synovitis and TFCC injury were detected in all cases, and based on Palmer classification of TFCC injury, type IA was determined in five cases and type ID in one case. Arthroscopic TFCC partial resection and synovectomy were carried out. VAS pain scale improved from an average 8 points preoperatively to 3 points postoperatively. The difference of grip power between the normal and the other side improved from average of 15 lb preoperatively to 5 lb postoperatively. Based on postoperatively physical examination at 6 weeks, all cases yielded negative results in the ulnar grind test and Kleiman shearing test. CONCLUSION We think that TFCC injury is one of the causes of persistent pain after triquetral dorsal chip fracture. We recommend an arthroscopic TFCC partial resection as a valuable treatment option.
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between the length changes of both forearm bones and function of wrist. To know permitted length discrepancy for good wrist function after operation in fracture of both bones of forearm MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Jan. 1995 to Dec. 2000, 21 cases were followed over 1 year, were treated with compression plate and screws due to fracture of both bones of forearm in our hospital. Mean duration of follow-up was 3 years 6 months. The postoperative length difference was compared to preoperative or unaffected side in roentgenography. Four groups were defined to A, B, C and D by postoperative length difference ; < or =1mm, 1 2mm, 2 3mm, and >3mm for comparison. The function of wrist joint was evaluated with the Anderson 's classification and Mayo modified wrist score. RESULT Group A were 11 cases(52.3%), B 5 cases(23.8%), C 4 cases(19.0%) and D 1 case(4.8%). By the Anderson 's classification, the number of Excellent were 11 cases(52.3%), Good 7(33.3%), Fair 3(14.3%). In the group of the length difference lesser than 2mm, the number of Excellent were 11, and Good 5. The Mayo modified wrist score was 75.15 in the group of the length difference lesser than 2mm, that was higher than 61.15 in the group of more than 2mm. CONCLUSION To obtain a good wrist function after operative treatment of fracture of both bones of forearm the length discrepancy of both bones should be lesser than 2mm.
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical validity of the percutaneous K-wire fixation in applying to unstable extraarticular fracture of distal radius of patients who are older than 50 years.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The validity of K-wire fixation was examined, using subjective study of Cole and Oblelz and objective study of Scheck, on the 20 cases of unstable extraarticular fracture of distal radius of patients older than 50 years, who were treated with percutaneous K-wire fixation and followed up more than 1 year, out of 160 patients with distal radius fracture, treated in the department of orthopedic surgery of our hospital from January 1994 to August 1998. RESULTS The result was examined with subjective study of Cole and Oblelz and objective study of Scheck. Combined judgement was made by adding up the scores of both objective and subjective study. 5 excellent cases and 12 good cases were brought forth by subjective study. Objective study achieved the result of average 18 degree of radial angle, 9.8mm of radial length and 3.6 degree of volar angle. Combined judgement achieved a good result of 3 excellent cases, 14 good cases and 3 fair cases. CONCLUSION Percutaneous K-wire fixation is expected to be a simple, less invasive, more effective and valuable operation method in the treatment of extraarticular fracture of distal radius with severe comminution
In the adolescent gymnasts, recent studios have shown that wrist is particularly vulnerable to chronic stress. In the immature skeleton, growth plate is especially vulnerable to acute or chronic trauma since the joint capsule and ligamentous structures are strong.
The purpose of this study is to report the frequency, finding of radiologic abnormalities and the type of sports to cause wrist pain.
The authors examined 26 adolescent gymnasts, 20 males and 6 females. The age range was 11 years 10 months to 17 years 5 months for males and 11 years 9 months to 34 years 4 months for females.
The results were as follows; 1. The radiologic abnormalities were found in 23 cases(88%), 19 males and 4 females.
2. Wrist pain was most frequently csused by pommel horse exercise in males and by floor exercise in females.
3. Among 23 cases, 18 showed widening of distal radial growth plates and irregularities of the margins of the growth plate(15 cases were bilateral). Widening of distal ulna growth plates were combineti in six cases, ulna styloid process fracture in 3 cases and radial styloid process fracture in 1 case.
4. Among 23 cases, 5 cases showed widening of distal radial metaphysis and increased ulnar tilting.
The management of pain, stiffness and weakness of the wrist following unsuccessful conservative treatment of fractures of the scaphoid or of Kienbocks disease and so on is a difficult problem. Despite the recommendation by Cotton in 1924 and subsequently by others that the proximal row of carpal bones should be removed in the presence of disease, arthrodesis or various stabilizing procedures continue to be recommended. But, although a radiocarpal fusion, when successful, leads to a painless, stable wrist, the loss of the normal motion of the wrist inevitably results in some loss of function of the hand.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the proximal-row carpectomy. Since 1987, five patients were studied following proximal-row carpectomy. The lesions for which the operation was done included two Kienbocks disease, one crushing injury, one transscaphoid volar lunar dislocation, and one scapholunate dissociation. Their end results after average 74 months of follow-up showed less pain than before operation and a reasonable range of flexion/extension which varied between 65% and 85% of normal, the average being 74%, Postoperative grip strength was from 70 to 90% fo normal, the average being 78%.
In conclusion, excision of the proximal row of tile carpus is a useful procedure, with a limited application in patients with Kienbocks disease, dislocation of the lunate bone, scapholunate dissociation and similar injuries which do not respond to conservative management.
Authors reviewed 8 cases of wrist fracture-dislocation treated with mini-external fixator and internal fixation form Septmeber 1989 to May 1992 with average 6 months follow up. The results were as follows ; 1. Mean ages were 47 years, most patients were young age. 2. We could achieve good results in intra-articular, communited, displaced fracture and open fracture of the wrist by using the mini-externall fixator and internal fixation. 3. Radial length and inclination was maintained mainly by the external fixator. Articular surface restoration and reconstruction was performed by bone graft and the limited internal fixation. We would like to recommend to use the mini-external fixator and limited internal fixation instead of plate and screws for the intraarticular fractue, displaced, communited farcture and open fracture of the wrist.
One of the greatest diagnostic challenges that faces both orthopedic surgeons and the radiologists is the patient with a subacute or chronic wrist injury who has no obvious clinical or radiographic abnormality to explain the pain.
The wrist arthrography is used to evalute structures that can not be seen on plain radiography. These structures include the synovium, the intraarticular ligaments and the articular cartilage including the triangular fibrocartilage. The most inportant indication is persistent pain or limitation of motion after trauma.
We think that the wrist arthrography is to be used widly. We collected and analized the results of wrist arthrographies performed in 33 patients with traumaic painful wrist.
The principle of treatment in patient with fracture involving articular surface is necessary for anatomical reduction, rigid fixation and early motion.
However, on the occasion of the unsatisfactory results such a post-traumatic arthritis of the wrist joint, in 1981, Watson and coworkers reported the good results by limited wrist arthrodesis for relief of pain and allowance of some range of motion.
Recently, we have experienced two cases of post-traumatic arthritis of the wrist joint which was treated by limited wrist arthrodesis, especially, radioscapholunate arthrodesis with good results.