Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
[Pronator quadratus preservation for distal radius fractures with locking palmar plate osteosynthesis. Surgical
C Dos Remedios1, J Nebout, H Benlarbi
1Service de chirurgie orthopédique, centre hospitalier de La Rochelle, rue du Docteur-Schweitzer, La Rochelle, France. c.dosremedios@orange.fr
Introduction:
A surgical technique is described to preserve the pronator quadratus muscle when fixing distal radius fractures with volar locking palmar plates.
Technique:
Using a classic volar Henry approach to the wrist, the fibrous distal attachments of the pronator quadratus muscle are released. The locking palmar plate is passed under the pronator quadratus muscle and its correct placement is checked by fluoroscopy. Locking screws are inserted through mini-incisions in pronator quadratus.
Discussion:
The pronator quadratus muscle plays an important role in wrist function, both in forearm pronation and as a stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint. Mechanical impingement between the volar plate and the flexor tendons can cause adherences, ruptures and tenosynovitis. These should be reduced if pronator quadratus were intact.
Conclusion:
Preservation of the pronator quadratus muscle is possible for the majority of the fractures of the distal radius treated with locking volar plate osteosynthesis.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi radialis,...
