[Distal radius fractures : Current treatment concepts and controversies]

Distal radius fractures represent the most frequent bone fractures in humans. Although the treatment was dominated for decades by conservative measures or closed surgical procedures, such as percutaneous wire osteosynthesis, a paradigm shift was instigated by the introduction and rapid dissemination of volar locking plate osteosynthesis (VLP). The novel procedure was soon proclaimed to be the gold standard and applied for practically all forms of fractures of the distal radius. In addition to clinical mishaps, e.g. failure to address dorsal edge fragments or the occurrence of extensor and flexor tendon irritation, the publication of various prospective randomized studies and meta-analyses led to a certain degree of disillusionment. In comparison to percutaneous wire osteosynthesis, no differences in the clinical result could be established for VLP 1 year postoperatively. It was therefore obvious that not all problems of the distal radius could be solved using the innovative instrument of volar locking plates. This article gives an overview on the current insights and reflects the current expert opinion on the present concepts for the treatment of distal radius fractures. This is illustrated by comprehensive case presentations.