Coverage of distal radius internal fixation and wrist fusion devices with AlloDerm

Dorsal plating for wrist arthrodesis, although a well-accepted form of treatment of the unstable or arthritic wrist, is accompanied by a high incidence of problems related to soft tissues. Dorsal plating of distal radius fractures has also been associated with soft-tissue complications, particularly extensor tendon ruptures. In an effort to reduce adhesions, extensor synovitis, or tendon rupture, we describe a technique for plate coverage using AlloDerm, an immunologically inert acellular dermal matrix with an intact basement membrane.