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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 3/2019

01-09-2019 | Distal Radius Fracture | Distal Radius and Wrist Fractures (E Shin, Section Editor)

Management of High Energy Distal Radius Injuries

Authors: Janice J. He, Philip Blazar

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

High energy distal radius are commonly multi-fragmentary with significant comminution and/or bone loss. They can also be associated with ligamentous and soft tissue injury and neurovascular compromise. As such, reconstruction of these injuries can be challenging. This paper will review the relevant anatomy, different methods of fixation, and present techniques for difficult fractures.

Recent Findings

Volar locked plating is a successful, very common method of treatment for distal radius fractures, but dorsal plating, fragment specific fixation, spanning bridge plating, and external fixation are sometimes necessary, particularly in higher energy injuries characterized by metaphyseal comminution, small volar fragments, intra-articular free fragments or lunate facet subsidence. Extended flexor carpi radialis (FCR), dorsal, and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) exposures can assist in visualizing the fracture site.

Summary

There are many different modes of fixation for distal radius fractures, and successful outcome depends on selection of appropriate fixation based on the fracture pattern and status of the soft tissues.
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Metadata
Title
Management of High Energy Distal Radius Injuries
Authors
Janice J. He
Philip Blazar
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 3/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09555-5

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