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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-09-2013 | Trauma Surgery

Clinical and biomechanical investigation of an increased articular cavity depth after distal radius fractures: effect on range of motion, osteoarthrosis and loading patterns

Authors: S. Erhart, W. Schmoelz, M. Lutz

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 9/2013

Abstract

Introduction

After fracture, distal radius malunion with dissociation of the volar and dorsal ulnar fracture fragments can lead to an increased articular cavity.

Patients and Methods

To investigate its clinical impact we retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 81 patients and simulated this form of malunion in a biomechanical experiment with six cadaver specimens in a dynamic loading set-up.

Results

In clinics, a higher arthritis stage was significantly correlated with an increased articular cavity depth and an increased anterioposterior distance. In cadaver specimens, a significantly decreased range of motion and significantly altered intraarticular contact characteristics were recognized for an increased cavity.

Conclusion

Alterations in contact biomechanics could be one reason for the higher incidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis when a deeper central impaction of the distal radius is present. From a clinical and experimental point of view, restoration of the normal shape of the distal radius is considered to minimize the risk for posttraumatic radiocarpal osteoarthritis.

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Title: Clinical and biomechanical investigation of an increased articular cavity depth after distal radius fractures: effect on range of motion, osteoarthrosis and loading patterns
Authors: S. Erhart
W. Schmoelz
M. Lutz
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1787-5

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Clinical and biomechanical investigation of an increased articular cavity depth after distal radius fractures: effect on range of motion, osteoarthrosis and loading patterns

Abstract

Introduction

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

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