Plate presetting and arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) for treatment of distal radius fractures

Arthroscopy has been reported to be an efficient adjunct for the surgical treatment for distal radius fractures (DRF). However, performing wrist arthroscopy during palmar locking plate fixation seems to be troublesome. We have developed a surgical technique involving presetting of a palmar locking plate and an arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) of the fracture that can facilitate the procedure. This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of our technique in the treatment of DRF.

249 fractures of the distal radius were treated by PART. 205 fractures in 200 patients were followed-up on average for 15 (12-60) months. There were 46 men and 154 women with an average age of 62 (16-85) years. According to the AO/ASIF fracture classification system there were 51 extra-articular fractures, and 154 intra-articular fractures. Scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries were classified according to Geissler and tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex according to Abe. On arthroscopic inspection, residual intra-articular fragment dislocation after reduction under fluoroscopy was evaluated. Final evaluation included a radiological examination, measurements of wrist and forearm motion, grip strength, the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

On arthroscopic inspection, intraarticular dislocations were found to be residual in 22.7%, even if reduction seemed to have been achieved when viewed by fluoroscopy. Scapholunate interosseous ligament tears were recognized in 29.8%, and triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in 62.4%. The mean palmar tilt was 5.7 (-10 to 16)°, radial inclination 26.0 (18-31)°, and ulnar variance 0.1 (-2 to 5) mm. The mean extension of the wrist was 71 (50-85)°, and the mean flexion was 62 (40-79)°. The mean pronation of the forearm was 87.5 (70-90)°, and the mean supination was 89.1 (75-95)°. The mean grip strength was 90.0% (31-133%) of the opposite side. According to the MMWS there were 156 excellent, 47 good, and 2 fair results. The mean DASH score was 3.9.

The palmar locking plate in combination with arthroscopic reduction technique (PART) leads to good and excellent results. It can be recommended for all fractures of the distal radius needing operative treatment. Arthroscopic reduction of intra-articular fragments is superior to reduction under fluoroscopy. PART allows also the detection of intra-articular soft tissue lesions such as scapholunate ligament tears and injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.