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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

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Published:
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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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Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest regarding the content of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department for Trauma Surgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria

    S. Erhart, W. Schmoelz & M. Lutz

Authors
  1. S. Erhart
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  2. W. Schmoelz
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  3. M. Lutz
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Erhart.

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Erhart, S., Schmoelz, W. & Lutz, M. Clinical and biomechanical investigation of an increased articular cavity depth after distal radius fractures: effect on range of motion, osteoarthrosis and loading patterns. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 133, 1249–1255 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1787-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1787-5

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