Changes in Nerve Conduction Studies After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Using a Volar Approach and Locked Plate

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Neurology
• Nerve conduction studies

Background:

• Distal radius fractures (DRF) are common injuries.
• Median neuropathy at the wrist can occur after DRF.
• Surgical fixation is often required for DRF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in median nerve nerve conduction studies (NCS) after DRF.
• To assess the impact of volar locking plate fixation on NCS findings.
• To determine if surgical treatment affects electrodiagnostic median nerve function.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 14 neurologically asymptomatic patients with isolated DRF.
• Surgical fixation using a volar locking plate within 2 weeks of injury.
• NCS of the median nerve performed pre-surgery and at 6-week follow-up, compared to the unaffected limb.

Main Results:

• 28% of asymptomatic patients showed prolonged latencies, meeting criteria for median neuropathy.
• No significant changes in distal sensory or motor latencies of the median nerve were observed post-surgery.
• Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores improved significantly from 77 to 46.

Conclusions:

• Asymptomatic patients with DRF may exhibit electrodiagnostic evidence of median neuropathy.
• Volar locking plate fixation for DRF does not significantly alter median nerve NCS findings.
• Surgical intervention with volar plating appears safe regarding median nerve function.