THE FIXATION TECHNIQUE OF TWO COLUMNS IN FRACTURES OF DISTAL RADIUS

Abstract

Introduction: Internal fixation of distal radius fractures with dorsal plates (when needed) comprise two potential problems: efficacy of stabilization and the high frequency of tendonitis which forced us to early removal of the hardware. Our purpose is to study the efficacy of the method of stabilization with 2 plates (2mm) the central and radial columns of distal radius according to the technique presented by Regazzoni (1993).

Material and Methods: Eight patients (5 males and 3 females), average 35 years old (range, 20–52 years) were treated with comminuted intraarticular fracture type C (6 patients) or malunion of distal radius (2 patients). A combined approach was used in 4 patients and only dorsal approach in the rest 4 patients. In all patients with recent comminuted fractures a supplementary fixation method with allograft were used. In patients with mal-united fractures the technique with two plates together with iliac graft were applied.

Results: Results estimated after mean follow-up of 14 months (range 9–18 months) according to clinical (pain, range of motion, and grip strength) and radiological (articular congruency, radial height, radial inclination and palmar tilt) criteria. Six patients revealed excellent or good result although two patients with loss of reduction needed a second operation.

Conclusion: We concluded, that when the technique with 2 plates was applied correctly the stability of fixation enhanced because the detrimental rotational forces were cancelled while the frequency of tendon irritation decreased.