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01-10-2020 | Distal Radius Fracture | Original Paper

Complications associated with volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures in 1955 cases: A multicentre retrospective study

Authors: Jae Hoon Lee, Jun-Ku Lee, Jin Sung Park, Dong Hee Kim, Jong Hun Baek, Young Jun Kim, Kyung Tack Yoon, Seung Hyun Song, Hyun Gon Gwak, Cheungsoo Ha, Soo-Hong Han

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 10/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Since volar locking plates (VLPs) have the benefits of more stable fixation and fewer complications, VLP osteosynthesis is now the preferred osteosynthesis method in the operative management of distal radius fractures (DRF). Along with the increases in operative management of VLP, the character and frequency of complications have changed. Thus, this multicentre study aimed to identify the characteristics of patients with DRFs who were treated with VLP fixation, describe the complication types and rates related to the procedure, and compare the results with those found in the literature.

Material and methods

This retrospective multicentre study was conducted between January 2008 and December 2017. In total, data from 2225 patients over 17 years old who underwent VLP fixation for DRF were screened. Patients with closed reduction and pinning, external fixation, dorsal plate fixation, and screw-only fixation were excluded. Finally, 1955 wrists from 1921 patients (86.3%) were included. The following types of complications were investigated: (1) tendon injury, (2) nerve-related, (3) fixation- and instrument-related, (4) osteosynthesis-related, (5) infection, and (6) others.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 60.3 ± 14.6 years with 587 males (30.6%). Distal ulnar fractures were found in 940 wrists (48.1%). The mean interval between fracture and surgery was 6.2 days, while the mean operative time was 68.3 ± 30.3 minutes. The following complications were found: (1) nine (0.46%) and 12 (0.61%) cases of flexor pollicis longus and complete extensor pollicis longus tears, respectively; (2) nine cases (0.46%) of palmar sensory median nerve branch damage, 15 cases (0.77%) of complex regional pain syndrome, and 36 cases (1.84%) of carpal tunnel syndrome; (3) five cases (0.26%) of fracture displacement even after plate fixation, six cases (0.31%) of screw breakage, 26 cases (1.33%) of radiocarpal joint screw penetration, and 511 cases (26.14%) of implant removal; (4) five cases (0.26%) of delayed union and three cases (0.15%) of non-union; (5) 83 (4.25%) and two (0.1%) cases of superficial and deep infection, respectively; and (6) two cases (0.1%) of compartment syndrome and three cases (0.15%) of radial artery damage.

Conclusions

After 10 years of experience performing VLP fixation for DRFs in a multicentre setting, the results regarding complication types and rates support its use as a reasonable treatment option with low rates of complication.

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Title: Complications associated with volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures in 1955 cases: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Jae Hoon Lee
Jun-Ku Lee
Jin Sung Park
Dong Hee Kim
Jong Hun Baek
Young Jun Kim
Kyung Tack Yoon
Seung Hyun Song
Hyun Gon Gwak
Cheungsoo Ha
Soo-Hong Han
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Distal Radius Fracture
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published in: International Orthopaedics / Issue 10/2020
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04673-z

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Complications associated with volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures in 1955 cases: A multicentre retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Material and methods

Results

Conclusions

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