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Early complications and radiological outcome after distal radius fractures stabilized by volar angular stable locking plate

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Abstract

Introduction

Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common fractures of the upper extremities. The incidence is expected to continue rising in the next years due to the increased life expectancy. Palmar locking plate stabilizing has since become the standard treatment for dorsally displaced DRF with a complication rate of 8–39% reported in the literature. Main aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of complications after DRF stabilization using palmar angular stable locking plate.

Methods

A retrospective medical records review conducted from January 2013 to December 2016 included a total of 392 patients with DRF, that were stabilized using palmar angular stable locking plate and showed a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The group comprised 259 female and 133 male patients with a mean follow-up interval of 11 months (range 3–52 months). All recorded complications were documented. Range of motion (ROM) in extension, flexion, supination, pronation, radial- and ulnar deviation of the last follow-up was noted. Age was divided into younger than 65 years (< 65 years) and older than 65 years (≥ 65 years). The primary, immediate postoperative and final checkup radiographs were scrutinized for alignment and intra-articular step-off.

Results

A total of 51 (13%) early and 17 late (4%) complications were recorded in 392 patients. The most common complications included carpal tunnel syndrome (3%), complex regional pain syndrome (3%) and loss of reduction (2%). Of the 68 complications, only 25 (6%) were directly related to the plate. 73% of all complications occurred in AO type C fractures. Patients without complications showed a significantly better ROM in extension, flexion, pronation and supination than patients with complications. No significant differences in incidence of complications, ROM or loss of reduction could be found between patients over and under 65 years of age. Gender and type of immobilization showed no significant influence on the complication rate.

Conclusions

Stabilization of DRF by palmar angular stable locking plate is a safe form of treatment. In the majority of the cases a good clinical and radiological outcome with no complications was documented. Gender and type of immobilization had no impact on the complication rate and an age over 65 years is not associated with an increased risk for complications or restricted ROM.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Rose-Marie Sedlacek for proof reading this article. Without her help, this English publication would not have been possible.

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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. AUVA Trauma Hospital Lorenz Böhler, European Hand Trauma Center, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria

    Stefan Quadlbauer, Ch. Pezzei, J. Jurkowitsch, R. Rosenauer, A. Pichler, S. Schättin, T. Hausner & M. Leixnering

  2. Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Experimental und Clinical Traumatology, AUVA Research Center, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200, Vienna, Austria

    Stefan Quadlbauer, R. Rosenauer & T. Hausner

  3. Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria

    Stefan Quadlbauer, R. Rosenauer & T. Hausner

  4. Department for Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020, Salzburg, Austria

    T. Hausner

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  1. Stefan Quadlbauer
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Quadlbauer, S., Pezzei, C., Jurkowitsch, J. et al. Early complications and radiological outcome after distal radius fractures stabilized by volar angular stable locking plate. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 138, 1773–1782 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-018-3051-5

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