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Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius following failed internal fixation

  • Handsurgery
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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to quantify the clinical and radiographic outcomes after corrective osteotomy for malunions of the distal radius following failed internal fixation.

Materials and methods

Results of 18 patients (8 women, 10 men; mean age 41 years) are presented an average of 7 years after osteotomy of a malunited distal radius fracture. We assessed active range of motion, grip strength, radiographic alignment, pain and disability. Subjective and objective data were summarized using the modified Mayo Wrist Score and the point-score system of Fernandez.

Results

Wrist motion, pain and deformity improved with the operation in all cases. The modified Mayo Wrist Score averaged 79 points. The scale of Fernandez indicated ten good, two fair and six poor results.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the operative correction of a distal radius malunion following an unsuccessful internal fixation can be achieved with outcomes comparable to those reported after initial nonoperative treatment.

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Acknowledgments

This study was performed under a protocol approved by the institutional review board (IRB) at the Rhön Klinikum AG, Klinik für Handchirurgie, Bad Neustadt Saale, Germany.

Conflict of interest

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Aachen, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Gertraud Gradl & Matthias Knobe

  2. Rhön Klinikum AG, Klinik für Handchirurgie, Salzburger Leite 1, 97617, Bad Neustadt/Saale, Germany

    Thomas Pillukat & Karl-Josef Prommersberger

  3. Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachussetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Gertraud Gradl & Jesse Jupiter

Authors
  1. Gertraud Gradl
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  2. Jesse Jupiter
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  3. Thomas Pillukat
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  4. Matthias Knobe
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  5. Karl-Josef Prommersberger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gertraud Gradl.

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Gradl, G., Jupiter, J., Pillukat, T. et al. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius following failed internal fixation. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 133, 1173–1179 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1779-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-013-1779-5

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