Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Devices and Their Radiographs

Background: Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in orthopedic practices. If treated operatively, most implants are retained after the fracture heals unless there is hardware failure, limitation of wrist motion, pain, infection, tendon rupture, or tenosynovitis. Complications have been reported during hardware removal, including not knowing the exact implant prior to its removal. If a patient presents for plate removal to a surgeon who did not perform the initial fracture fixation, having a preoperative visual aid can help the treating surgeon choose the right instruments for their removal. Methods: To identify many of the available distal radius fixation devices, we searched the Internet and contacted local industry representatives. We also approached industry personnel at the commercial exhibit of a national hand society meeting to provide us with implants they manufacture. The implants were placed on the volar and dorsal aspects of sawbone models of the distal radius and in one case the radial styloid, using the screws, screwdrivers and accessories in the standard implant set and then posteroanterior and lateral x-rays of the implants were obtained. We created an atlas and a list of the screwdriver(s) used for each. Results: We obtained radiographs and photographs for 28 implants that were manufactured by 14 different companies. Two companies sent us radiographs and photographs placed on either a sawbone or cadaveric model. We found that 7 of the implants were outliers and could be identified easily on the x-rays, whereas 21 implants had similar design of shaft and distal components. Conclusions: To aid the orthopedic surgeon in their removal, we compiled a comprehensive list of most distal radius fixation devices on the market including plates and their corresponding screws and screwdrivers. The goal was to help the surgeon when removing the plate to identify the implant on radiographs.