[Arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of dorsally tilted intraarticular distal radius fractures--technique and...

The present paper describes the indication and application of an arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures. Visualisation of articular incongruency is emphasised with special regard to articular fracture fragment reduction. In addition to that, classification of soft tissue injuries and treatment options are discussed. The final clinical and radiological results of 17 patients are presented: DASH and PRWE averaged 4.9 and 6.0 respectively. Active range of motion measured 123° for flexion/extension, 51° for radial and ulnar deviation and 163° for pronosupination, which is 87%, 98% and 97%, respectively, compared with the opposite wrist. Radial inclination at final follow-up was 23°, palmar tilt measured 6° and ulnar variance averaged -1.2 mm. The scapholunate gap at follow-up was 1.6 mm, and the scapholunate angle measured 57°.