Closed Management of a Distal Radius Refracture Through a Bent Volar Plate: Can an Open Procedure be Avoided?: A Case
Christopher Hall1, Anton Lambers, Satyen Gohil
1Department of Orthopaedics, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Washington.
Case:
A 55-year-old man sustained a distal radius fracture, which was fixed with a volar plate 20 years ago. He then fell from 2 m and sustained a refracture with a bent but intact volar plate. A manipulation under anaesthetic/anaesthesia was attempted. Satisfactory reduction was confirmed and maintained, with bony union confirmed at 6 months. Regular follow-up showed continuing functional improvement.
Conclusion:
This rare case avoided surgical intervention and its associated risks and costs. Attempted closed reduction can be considered a treatment option before open revision fixation, with demonstrated ability for fracture healing in an acceptable position.
