Calcium phosphate bone cement for treatment of distal radius fractures: a preliminary report

Distal radius fractures in osteoporotic patients are often complicated with a residual deformity and a subsequent stiff and painful wrist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC95) in the treatment of these fractures. Seven Colles type fractures in seven patients (all female; average age, 58 years) were treated. After a closed reduction, the fractures were fixed either by percutaneous pinning or by external skeletal fixation. The CPC95 was then injected into the cancellous bone defect through a small dorsal incision. The functional and radiological results were evaluated for up to 1 year. All patients were graded as good or excellent within 3 months, and all were graded as excellent at the final follow-up. The average duration of immobilization was 3.5 weeks. The overall shortening of the radius was 2.3 mm. In one patient, CPC95 extruded into the extensor tendon sheath and was surgically removed. Injection of CPC95 is a promising augmentation of osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures, although a prospective control study is mandatory to prove the usefulness of this material. The equipment and surgical technique should be refined to avoid the extrusion of CPC95.