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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
[An analytical classification of fractures of the distal radius: The "M.E.U." classification]
J Laulan1, J-P Bismuth, P Clément
1Unité de chirurgie de la main, services d'orthopédie 1 et 2, CHU Trousseau, 37044 Tours, France. jacky.laulan@orange.fr
Introduction:
Fractures of the distal radius are often complex injuries involving to a varying degree the radial metaphysis (M), radial epiphysis (E) and distal ulna (U). The association of these three parameters varies in a given injury and each fracture is a specific lesion which often defies inclusion in a well-defined group. An analytical classification is proposed.
Materials And Methods:
The classification system analysed the three components of the fracture, assigning to each an index of gravity increasing from 0 to 4 and taking into account the main prognostic factor. Interobserver and intraobserver evaluation was carried out. The system was a posteriori applied to a prospective series of 166 distal radius fractures.
Results:
Mean interobserver reliability was 0.78 and mean intraobserver reproducibility 0.81. M and E were closely correlated with treatment, M with algodystrophy, E with pain and U with mobility and patient satisfaction at one year.
Conclusions:
Inter- and intraobserver reproducibilities were good and the results validated our gravity indexes. This classification, describing all possible combinations of the three components of the fracture, is useful for both prognosis and treatment.
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