Plate fixation is better than external fixation combined with percutaneous pin fixation for the treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal part of the radius.

Displaced distal radius fractures in active elderly patients with high functional demand present a clinical dilemma because current evidence is equivocal in the recommendation of treatment. Internal fixation is an increasingly popular option with proposed superior results. Our study aims to evaluate the results among a population of active elderly patients with displaced fractures managed with either cast immobilization or internal fixation with volar locking plate. Seventy-five patients (35 cast immobilization and 40 internal fixation) with mean age of 74 ± 7.5 years with minimum of 12 months follow-up were studied. The radiological and clinical parameters were assessed at three, six, and 12 months. Functional outcomes (DASH, Green-O'Brien) were assessed at 12 months. Patients who underwent surgery regain wrist motion and grip strength earlier, but this was not statistically significant after six months.

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This study shows that the modified Becker suture technique, although not easily performed, proved to be the strongest repair, with a significantly greater resistance to 1-mm and 2-mm gap and the greatest ultimate strength on maximal loading.

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BackgroundComplex elbow injuries with associated nerve, muscle, or joint injury commonly develop post-inury stiffness. In order to preserve function, joint congruency, elbow stability and durable wound coverage must be achieved in a timely manner.MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent orthopaedic fixation followed by free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap soft tissue coverage was performed. Five patients were identified and included in this study.ResultsWe present a series of 5 cases managed with this principle. Soft tissue defects ranged in size from 4×9 cm (36 cm2) to 15×30 cm (450 cm2) and were located either posteriorly (n=4) or anteriorly (n=1). Associated injuries included open fractures (n=3) and motor nerve transection (n=2). Wound coverage was achieved in a mean duration of 18.8 days (range, 11 to 42 day). There were no flap failures and no major complications. The mean postoperative active elbow motion was 102° (range, 45° to 140°).ConclusionsIn our small series we have highlighted the safety and utility of using the free ALT flap in complex elbow injuries. The ALT flap has many advantages which include abundant skin and subcutaneous tissue; vascularised vastus lateralis muscle that was used in our series to obliterate dead space, provide a vascular bed for nerve grafts and combat infection; and, access to fascia lata grafts for reconstruction of the triceps tendon.

Purpose. To review 9 cases of mechanical failure of the volar locking plate for distal radial fractures. Methods. Records of 374 consecutive patients who underwent volar locking plating for distal radial fractures were reviewed. Mechanical failures of the volar locking plate were defined as plate breakage or bending, screw breakage or loosening, or collapse of articular fragments resulting in intra-articular screw extrusion. Results. Nine mechanical failures occurred between 2 weeks and 3 months in 8 (2.4%) of the patients aged 25 to 82 (median, 74) years with AO fracture types of A3 (n=4), C1 (n=1), C2 (n=1), and C3 (n=3). Mechanical failures included screw pullout (n=5), locking plate bending (n=2), locking screws breakage (n=1), and loosening of locked variable angle screws (n=1). One patient underwent revision of fixation and 2 underwent implant removal. The remainder were treated conservatively. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months; their mean flexion arc was 87° (standard deviation [SD], 17°) and the mean rotation arc was 136° (SD, 29°). According to the Green and O'Brien score, their outcomes were good (n=1), fair (n=4), and poor (n=3). Conclusion. Although mechanical failure of volar locking plate is uncommon, some are potentially preventable.

Isolated trapezoid fractures are rare. We present a case of severe isolated trapezoid fracture associated with bone loss and proximal migration of the second metacarpal, which was treated successfully by open reduction and internal fixation with bone grafting and joint fusion.