[Corrective osteotomy following peripheral radius fractures. Method and results]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Hand surgery

Context:

• Malunion of distal radius fractures often causes significant functional disability.
• Patients engaged in manual labor are particularly affected, experiencing pain and reduced wrist mobility.
• Distal radioulnar joint incongruence is a common consequence, leading to decreased hand strength and range of motion.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical correction for distal radius fracture malunion.
• To present surgical indications, timing, techniques, and complications based on a case series.
• To analyze roentgenographic, functional, and subjective outcomes following malunion correction.

Summary:

• Surgical reconstruction precisely restores the axial and longitudinal relationships of forearm bones.
• This aims to achieve congruency of the distal radioulnar joint, thereby improving hand strength and function.
• The study details 42 cases, discussing operative aspects and complications, with outcomes assessed in 33 patients over one year post-surgery.

Impact:

• Positive roentgenographic and functional results were observed post-correction.
• Patient-reported subjective outcomes showed significant improvement.
• The study highlights the benefits of accurate anatomical reconstruction for restoring hand function after distal radius malunion.