Incidence of Flexor Tendon Injuries in Complex Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures Fixed With Volar Rim Plate...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Hand surgery

Background:

• Distal radius fractures, particularly those involving the volar rim and lunate fossa, present complex treatment challenges.
• The volar rim plate is designed for anatomical contouring and buttressing of these critical fragments.
• Minimizing soft tissue complications, such as flexor tendon irritation, is a key consideration in implant design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of volar rim plate fixation for distal radius fractures.
• To assess the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores at approximately one year post-operation.
• To determine the incidence of flexor tendon irritation or rupture following volar rim plate surgery.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included patients with AO-23B3 and AO-23C (1-3) distal radius fractures treated with volar rim plates between June 2020 and May 2021.
• Patients underwent clinical evaluation at 12 months post-surgery.
• Outcomes were assessed using the DASH score and clinical examination for signs of flexor tendon irritation or rupture.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five patients were included in the final analysis.
• The mean DASH score was 16.3, indicating a generally satisfactory functional outcome.
• Two patients (8%) experienced flexor tendon irritation, but no cases of tendon rupture were observed.

Conclusions:

• The volar rim plate is a viable option for complex intra-articular distal radius fractures.
• The study found a low incidence of flexor tendon irritation, suggesting the implant's low-profile design is beneficial.
• While outcomes were satisfactory in this series, careful monitoring for tendon irritation is warranted for potential early implant removal.