Radial Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fracture.
Sherif Dabash1, Eric Potter2, Elizabeth Pimentel2
1University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA.
Radial plate fixation for distal radius fractures offers effective outcomes. This approach is comparable to dorsal or volar fixation, with careful technique minimizing superficial radial nerve injury risks.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand and Wrist Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Radial incision with radial plate fixation historically avoided due to superficial radial nerve (SRN) injury risk.
- Careful surgical technique can prevent SRN injury, minimizing soft tissue damage.
- Comparison of radial fixation outcomes with dorsal and volar plate fixation in literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare subjective and objective functional outcomes of radial plate fixation versus dorsal and volar plate fixation.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of the radial approach for distal radius fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 36 patients undergoing radial plate fixation for AO type A or B distal radius fractures.
- Objective measurements: grip strength and 3-digit pinch strength (injured vs. uninjured wrist).
- Subjective assessment: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Postoperative grip strength in the injured wrist was 68% of the uninjured wrist; no significant difference in dominant/nondominant wrists.
- 3-digit pinch strength in the injured wrist was 89% of the uninjured wrist, with no significant decrease.
- Mean QuickDASH score was 20.9, indicating moderate functional limitation.
Conclusions:
- Radial plate fixation is an effective treatment for distal radius fractures.
- Outcomes are noninferior to dorsal or volar approaches.
- This technique offers a viable alternative with potentially reduced soft tissue injury.
More Related Videos
05:45Author Spotlight: Exploring Regeneration in Axolotls Through Insights in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms, Bone Healing, and Implications for Human Therapies
Published on: April 12, 2024
04:41Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Radius of Gyration of an Area
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
Schwarzschild Radius and Event Horizon
The minimum speed required to launch a projectile from the surface of an object to which it is gravitationally bound so that it eventually escapes the object’s gravitational field is called the escape velocity. The escape velocity is independent of the mass of the object. Merging the idea of escape...
Degree of Curvature and Radius of Curvature
Radial System Protection
In a radial system with a fault downstream of the third breaker, ideally, only the third breaker will open, isolating the fault and interrupting the load connected beyond it. The second breaker has a longer delay setting,...
Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
