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Plate fixation of distal radius fracture and related complications

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Distal radius fractures are common. In cases where surgical treatment is needed, volar plates can be used to obtain stable, long-lasting fixation. The design of these plates has continually improved over the years, but complications remain a problem.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to evaluate the types of complications that occur with different types of volar plates with a view towards preventing them.

Materials and methods

The emergency department at our hospital saw 524 patients with distal radius fractures between 2006 and 2008. Some of these were treated surgically with a volar plate. All of the post-operative complications were documented.

Results

With a minimum follow-up of 6 months, 152 patients who had undergone plate fixation were reviewed: 31 had received plates with non-locking screws or uniaxial locking screws and 121 had received plates with polyaxial locking screws. The complication rate was similar in these two groups (16.1 and 16.5 %, respectively). The main complications were tendon ruptures and problems related to the plate itself.

Discussion

Plate-related complications have been described in published studies, but few of these studies link them to the plate design or surgical technique. Manufacturers must continue to refine these plates to minimise their thickness while keeping their strength. Surgeons must be sure to use a highly exacting technique.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Joanne Archambault, PhD, for help in preparing the English version of this article.

Conflict of interest

L. Obert is Consultant for FX Solution, Zimmer, SBI, Synthes-Johnson&Johnson, Medartis, Evolutis, Biotech-Wright, Argo. Each author certifies that he has no commercial associations that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Traumatologique, Plastique et Reconstructrice, Assistance main, CHU J. Minjoz, 3 Bd A. Fleming, 25000, Besançon, France

    Laurent Obert, Francois Loisel, Séverin Rochet, Daniel Lepage, Gregoire Leclerc & Patrick Garbuio

  2. Clinique Belledonne, 83 av. Gabriel Péri, 38400, Saint Martin d’Hères, France

    Sonia Huard

Authors
  1. Laurent Obert
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  2. Francois Loisel
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  3. Sonia Huard
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  4. Séverin Rochet
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  5. Daniel Lepage
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  6. Gregoire Leclerc
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  7. Patrick Garbuio
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Correspondence to Francois Loisel.

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Obert, L., Loisel, F., Huard, S. et al. Plate fixation of distal radius fracture and related complications. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 25, 457–464 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-014-1550-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-014-1550-9

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