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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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01-12-2021 | Distal Radius Fracture | Original Article

Necessity of acceptable radiologic alignment by preoperative closed reduction for unstable distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates

Authors: Hyoung-Seok Jung, Kwang-Jin Chun, Jae Yoon Kim, Jae-Sung Lee

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the necessity of achieving acceptable radiographic alignment by preoperative closed reduction in unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs) to improve preoperative pain and obtain satisfactory outcomes after surgery.

Methods

From 2013 to 2016, patients who received volar locking plates for DRFs were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into acceptable and non-acceptable reduction groups based on immediate post-reduction radiographs. To avoid potential bias, a matched-pair analysis was performed, and paired patients were categorized into non-acceptable reduction (group A) and acceptable reduction (group B) groups. Preoperative pain level, mean length of stay, operation time, postoperative complications, and surgical outcomes were analysed. The preoperative pain level and functional results were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores.

Results

Of the 239 patients, 80 had non-acceptable and 159 had acceptable reductions. Among these patients, 201 (66 in group A vs. 135 in group B) were matched in a 1:2 matched ratio. Although the radiological parameters after closed reduction were better in group B, there were no significant differences in the preoperative pain VAS score, mean length of stay, operation time, and postoperative complications between the groups. In addition, radiologic parameters and the DASH score at a 1-year follow-up were also not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that obtaining acceptable radiologic alignment by closed reduction is not necessary for patients who make an informed decision to undergo volar plating for unstable DRFs.

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Title: Necessity of acceptable radiologic alignment by preoperative closed reduction for unstable distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates
Authors: Hyoung-Seok Jung
Kwang-Jin Chun
Jae Yoon Kim
Jae-Sung Lee
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Distal Radius Fracture
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01322-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Necessity of acceptable radiologic alignment by preoperative closed reduction for unstable distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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