Relationship Between Radiocapitate Distance as a Structural Parameter and Clinical Outcomes After Volar Locking Plate...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiographic analysis
• Biomechanical assessment

Background:

• Distal radius fractures are common, impacting wrist function.
• Volar locking plate (VLP) fixation is a standard treatment.
• Radiographic parameters are crucial for assessing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate radiocapitate distance (RCD) one year after VLP fixation.
• To determine the association between RCD and radiographic parameters.
• To investigate RCD's relationship with clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 145 patients with VLP fixation for distal radius fractures.
• Measurement of RCD on lateral wrist radiographs.
• Correlation and regression analyses with radiographic parameters and clinical scores (QuickDASH, grip strength, ROM).

Main Results:

• Mean final RCD was -2.4 ± 3.0 mm.
• RCD correlated with palmar tilt and radial inclination, but not ulnar variance.
• RCD was associated with wrist flexion but not grip strength or extension; it was not an independent predictor of QuickDASH score.

Conclusions:

• RCD reflects sagittal carpal alignment after VLP fixation.
• RCD is associated with wrist flexion, suggesting its role in sagittal alignment.
• Further investigation is warranted to establish RCD as a structural marker for distal radius fracture outcomes.