Rare Complication of Distal Radius and Ulnar Styloid Fractures with Percutaneous Fixation

Abstract

Case: A 42-year-old man presented with distal radius fracture. We performed external fixation combined with Kirschner wiring, which was removed 6 weeks postoperatively. After the removal of the implants, the patient could not achieve any pronation-supination, and distal radioulnar synostosis became apparent during the follow-up. The patient underwent distal ulnar osteotomy, and 60° pronation and full supination were achieved. No complications were reported at the 32-month follow-up. Conclusion: This is a rare case of radioulnar synostosis after percutaneous fixation surgery for distal radius fracture. The modified Sauve-Kapandji procedure can help restore motion, together with other appropriate postoperative interventions, and provides early mobilization.

Rare complication of open reduction and internal fixation of fracture distal radius

“…Bayram et al, fixed the distal radius fracture via external fixator and percutaneous K-wires. In their case report, they treated it surgically via ulnar osteotomy so the synostosis can be treated by the resection of the distal ulna as an alternative to the direct resection of the heterotopic bone [4] .…”

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Effects of the Cable‐Pin System and Kirschner Wire Tension Band (TBW) Internal Fixation in the Treatment of the Olecranon Fracture

“…The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, healing time, incision drainage, and length of hospital stay were calculated between the two groups. The clinical healing standard are as follows [ 9 ]: the fracture local shows no tenderness and longitudinal percussion pain; the fracture local shows no abnormal activity; X-ray shows that the fracture line is blurred and continuous callus passes through the fracture line. In the case of no external fixation, the upper limb can lift a weight of 1 kg for 1 minute; if there is no local deformation of the fracture for 2 weeks, then the first day of observation can be used as the clinical healing date of the fracture.…”

Post-traumatic radioulnar synostosis: a retrospective case series of 10 patients in Kuwait

“…1,26 It is a type of heterotopic ossification (HO) in which the ulna and radius are connected, which leads to restriction of range of motion and overall disability if left untreated. [1][2][3] It may occur in different parts of the forearm and elbow depending on several risk factors including, but not limited to, extensive soft-tissue injury, head injury, fracture comminution, Monteggia-type fracture, and delay of surgical management. 1,4,5 Patients with range-of-motion limitation benefit greatly from surgical resection, whereas those with a preserved arc of motion can be managed conservatively.…”