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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Distal Radius Fracture | Research article

Ulnar carpal translation following palmar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: a retrospective analysis

Authors: Shan-Yang Huang, Hui-Kuang Huang, Chin-Hsien Wu, Chih-Hsun Chang, Yi-Chao Huang, Jung-Pan Wang

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Concomitant injuries to the radiocarpal ligaments may occur during episodes of distal radius fractures, which may not cause acute subluxation or dislocation but can lead to radiocarpal instability and progress over time. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of ulnar carpal translation (UCT) after open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures and evaluate the associated factors of UCT.

Methods

The retrospective study has been done now and includes patients treated between 2010 and 2020 who had undergone reduction and locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. We assessed radiographs taken immediately after the operation and at 3 months post-operation, enrolling patients with UCT for evaluation. In addition to demographic data, we evaluated radiographic parameters, including fracture pattern, fragment involvement, and ulnar variance. We also assessed the palmar tilt-lunate (PTL) angle to determine associated rotatory palmar subluxation of the lunate (RPSL).

Results

Among the 1,086 wrists, 53 (4.9%) had UCT within 3 months post-operation. The majority of wrists with UCT exhibited normal to minus ulnar variance (49 wrists; mean: −1.1 mm), and 24 patients (45.3%) had concomitant RPSL. Fracture classification was as follows: 19 type A3 (35.8%), 5 type C1 (9.4%), 11 type C2 (20.8%), and 18 type C3 (34.0%). Radial styloid was involved in 20 wrists (37.7%), palmar rim in 18 wrists (34.0%), dorsal rim in 25 wrists (47.2%), and die-punch fractures in 3 wrists (5.7%). Concomitant ulnar styloid fractures were present in 29 wrists (54.7%).

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential for UCT to occur following reduction and fixation of distal radius fractures, particularly in cases with a more severe fracture pattern and combined with ulnar minus variance. The high incidence of concomitant RPSL provides further evidence for the possibility of associated radiocarpal ligament insufficiency after distal radius fracture.

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Title: Ulnar carpal translation following palmar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Shan-Yang Huang
Hui-Kuang Huang
Chin-Hsien Wu
Chih-Hsun Chang
Yi-Chao Huang
Jung-Pan Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Distal Radius Fracture
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04689-w

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Ulnar carpal translation following palmar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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