OSTEOTOMY OF THE DISTAL RADIUS USING A FIXED-ANGLE VOLAR PLATE

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Distal radius malunion after fractures can lead to significant functional impairment, including pain, reduced strength, and limited mobility.
• Previous success with volar plating for distal radius fractures inspired its application in corrective osteotomies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of volar approach osteotomy with fixed-angle volar plate fixation for correcting distal radius deformities.
• To assess functional outcomes, including pain, mobility, and grip strength, following this surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 20 patients who underwent distal radius osteotomy between 2002 and 2009.
• Surgical indications included persistent pain, deformity, and functional limitation due to dorsal displacement after fracture.
• Mean follow-up duration was 43.9 months.

Main Results:

• Significant correction of preoperative deformities, including dorsal tilt, ulnar tilt, and radial shortening.
• All osteotomies achieved consolidation.
• Mean wrist flexion increased by 19.9°, extension by 24°, forearm supination by 23.5°, and pronation by 21.7°.
• Mean grip strength improved from 13.4 to 34.5 pounds.

Conclusions:

• Volar approach osteotomy of the distal radius with a fixed-angle volar plate provides satisfactory deformity correction.
• This technique effectively restores wrist and forearm function and eliminates the need for hardware removal due to tendon issues.