Closed Reduction and Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

Evolution of locking nails has led to the introduction of interlocking nails for fractures of the distal radius as a possible effective minimally invasive surgery for instable fractures. So far locked intramedullary nailing of instable extra-articular fractures AO type A has been proven as an elegant minimally invasive method with a low complication rate and a low need of hardware removal after fracture healing. However, the indications are quite narrow compared to locked volar plating, and the indications of intramedullary locked fixation of distal radius fractures should primarily be limited to dorsally displaced extra-articular fractures, and the procedure should be avoided if the fracture cannot be reduced by closed or percutaneous means. Also special attention should be taken to avoid damage to the sensory branch of the radial nerve and to avoid locking screws penetrating into the soft tissue and into the DRUJ joint.