Corrective osteotomy for malunion of the distal radius

Forty-five patients were reviewed on average 5.7 years after corrective osteotomy for symptomatic distal radius malunion. Restoration of anatomy and function was assessed compared with the contralateral wrist. It was found that osteotomy of the distal radius alone did not completely restore normal anatomy and relieve symptoms, and in several cases a second operation was needed. Osteoarthritic changes in the radiocarpal and radioulnar joints were common, and they correlated with restriction in range of motion, but not with pain. Range of motion and grip power were reduced compared to the unaffected hand, but only loss of supination and ulnar deviation correlated with an unsatisfactory subjective result. The result was good or satisfactory in 33 of the 45 patients. We conclude that reconstructive procedures in patients with distal radius malunion may not completely restore normal function, and every effort should therefore be made to prevent malunion in the treatment of distal radius fractures.