Ultrasound-Guided vs. Conventional Dorsoulnar Fragment Reduction Combined With Volar Locking Plate Fixation for...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common, with volar locking plates offering good outcomes.
• Conventional fluoroscopy for fragment reduction has accuracy limitations.
• Dorsoulnar fragments (DUFs) require precise reduction for optimal DRF fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ultrasound-guided reduction of DUFs.
• To compare ultrasound-guided versus X-ray-guided reduction in DRF fixation.
• To assess the impact on surgical indicators, healing, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 116 patients with DRFs undergoing volar locking plate fixation.
• Two groups: ultrasound-guided (observation, n=54) and X-ray-guided (control, n=62).
• Assessment of surgical time, blood loss, hospital stay, wrist function (Gartland-Werley, MMWS), range of motion, radiological parameters, VAS, and complications.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound group had shorter operation time, less blood loss, and reduced hospital stay (p < 0.05).
• Improved postoperative wrist function and radiological outcomes (volar tilt, radial height) in the ultrasound group (p < 0.001).
• Significantly lower complication rate in the ultrasound group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided DUF reduction enhances postoperative wrist function and anatomical alignment.
• This technique significantly reduces complication rates compared to X-ray guidance.
• Intraoperative ultrasound is a valuable tool for precise DRF fixation, improving clinical outcomes.