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Management of High Energy Distal Radius Injuries

  • Distal Radius and Wrist Fractures (E Shin, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

High energy distal radius are commonly multi-fragmentary with significant comminution and/or bone loss. They can also be associated with ligamentous and soft tissue injury and neurovascular compromise. As such, reconstruction of these injuries can be challenging. This paper will review the relevant anatomy, different methods of fixation, and present techniques for difficult fractures.

Recent Findings

Volar locked plating is a successful, very common method of treatment for distal radius fractures, but dorsal plating, fragment specific fixation, spanning bridge plating, and external fixation are sometimes necessary, particularly in higher energy injuries characterized by metaphyseal comminution, small volar fragments, intra-articular free fragments or lunate facet subsidence. Extended flexor carpi radialis (FCR), dorsal, and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) exposures can assist in visualizing the fracture site.

Summary

There are many different modes of fixation for distal radius fractures, and successful outcome depends on selection of appropriate fixation based on the fracture pattern and status of the soft tissues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Janice J. He & Philip Blazar

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  1. Janice J. He
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  2. Philip Blazar
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Correspondence to Janice J. He.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Distal Radius and Wrist Fractures

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He, J.J., Blazar, P. Management of High Energy Distal Radius Injuries. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 379–385 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09555-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09555-5

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