Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 2015; 82(1):33-40 | DOI: 10.55095/achot2015/004
Evidence Based Postoperative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures following Internal Locking Plate FixationIn-service-training
- 1 Center of Plastic-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
- 2 Center for Clinical Studies, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
- 3 Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
- 4 Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
Originally, the treatment method of choice for distal radial fractures (DRF) has been a non-operative approach with six to eight weeks of plaster casting. The introduction of volar locking plate systems at the beginning of the 21st century has pushed trends towards open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). While the introduction of fixed angle locking plates together with the increasing knowledge on wrist function and related variable outcomes has led to consensus that operative fixation in instable DRF is the treatment method of choice, there is no agreement on a postoperative care of these injuries. The authors will discuss the available evidence for current concepts of postoperative treatment of DRFs following fixed angle fixation under socioeconomical, biomechanical and burden of disease aspects. Further, relevant randomized controlled trials are evaluated with regard to applied postoperative treatment regimes and related risks for complications.
Keywords: distal radius fracture, postoperative treatment, evidence based aftercare, early mobilization, internal fixation, volar locking plate, complications
Published: February 1, 2015 Show citation
ACS | AIP | APA | ASA | Harvard | Chicago | Chicago Notes | IEEE | ISO690 | MLA | NLM | Turabian | Vancouver |
References
- Bässgen, K., Westphal, T., Haar, P., Kundt, G., Mittlmeier, T., Schober, H.-C.: Population-based prospective study on the incidence of osteoporosis-associated fractures in a German population of 200,413 inhabitants. J. Public Health (Oxf), 35: 255-261, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Bentohami, A., Korte, N., de, Sosef, N., Goslings, J. C., Bijlsma, T., Schep N.: Study protocol: non-displaced distal radial fractures in adult patients: three weeks vs. five weeks of cast immobilization: a randomized trial. BMC Musculoskelet. Disord., 15: 24, 2014.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Bong, M. R., Egol, K. A., Leibman, M., Koval, K. J.: A comparison of immediate postreduction splinting constructs for controlling initial displacement of fractures of the distal radius: a prospective randomized study of long-arm versus short-arm splinting. J. Hand Surg. Am., 31: 766-770, 2006.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Buckwalter, J. A.: Effects of early motion on healing of musculoskeletal tissues. Hand Clin., 12: 13-24, 1996.
Go to original source...
- Buckwalter, J. A.: Maintaining and restoring mobility in middle and old age: the importance of the soft tissues. Instr. Course Lect., 46: 459-469, 1997.
- Campbell, D. A.: Open reduction and internal fixation of intra articular and unstable fractures of the distal radius using the AO distal radius plate. J. Hand Surg. Br., 25: 528-534, 2000.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Christensen, O. M., Christiansen, T. G., Krasheninnikoff, M., Hansen, F. F.: Length of immobilisation after fractures of the distal radius. Int. Orthop., 19: 26-29, 1995.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Chung, K. C., Kotsis, S. V., Kim, H. M.: Predictors of functional outcomes after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures. J. Hand Surg. Am., 32: 76-83, 2007.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Chung, K. C., Shauver, M. J., Birkmeyer, J. D.: Trends in the United States in the treatment of distal radial fractures in the elderly. J. Bone Jt Surg., 91-A: 1868-1873, 2009.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Cyr, L. M., Ross, R. G.: How controlled stress affects healing tissues. J Hand Ther, 11: 125-130, 1998.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Dekkers, M., Søballe, K.: Activities and impairments in the early stage of rehabilitation after Colles' fracture. Disabil. Rehabil., 26: 662-668, 2004.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Dias, J. J., Wray, C. C., Jones, J. M., Gregg, P. J.: The value of early mobilisation in the treatment of Colles' fractures. J. Bone Jt Surg., 69-B: 463-467, 1987.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Diaz-Garcia, R. J., Chung, K. C.: Common myths and evidence in the management of distal radius fractures. Hand Clin, 28: 127-133, 2012.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Drobetz, H., Kutscha-Lissberg, E.: Osteosynthesis of distal radial fractures with a volar locking screw plate system. Int. Orthop., 27: 1-6, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Egol, K. A., Kubiak, E. N., Fulkerson, E., Kummer, F. J., Koval, K. J.: Biomechanics of locked plates and screws. J. Orthop. Trauma, 18: 488-493, 2004.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Esenwein, P., Sonderegger, J., Gruenert, J., Ellenrieder, B., Tawfik, J., Jakubietz, M.: Complications following palmar plate fixation of distal radius fractures: a review of 665 cases. Arch. Orthop. Trauma Surg., 133: 1155-1162, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Fayaz, H. C., Jupiter, J. B., Pape, H. C., Smith, R. M., Giannoudis, P. V., Moran, C. G., Krettek, C., Prommersberger, K. J., Raschke, M. J., Parvizi, J.: Challenges and barriers to improving care of the musculoskeletal patient of the future - a debate article and global perspective. Patient Saf. Surg., 5: 23, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Fowler, J. R., Ilyas, A. M.: Prospective evaluation of distal radius fractures treated with variable-angle volar locking plates. J. Hand Surg. Am., 38: 2198-2203, 2013.
Go to original source...
- Greendale, G. A., Barrett-Connor, E., Ingles, S., Haile, R.: Late physical and functional effects of osteoporotic fracture in women: the Rancho Bernardo Study. J. Am. Geriatr. Soc., 43: 955-961, 1995.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Grewal, R., MacDermid, J. C., King, G. J. W., Faber, K. J.: Open reduction internal fixation versus percutaneous pinning with external fixation of distal radius fractures: a prospective, randomized clinical trial. J. Hand Surg. Am., 36: 1899-1906, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Handoll, H. H. G., Madhok, R., Howe, T. E.: Rehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev., CD003324, 2006.
Go to original source...
- Hegeman, J. H., Oskam, J., van der Palen, J., Duis, H. J. ten, Vierhout, P. A. M.: The distal radial fracture in elderly women and the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip. J. Hand Surg. Br., 29: 473-476, 2004.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Jakubietz, M. G., Gruenert, J. G., Jakubietz, R. G.: Palmar and dorsal fixed-angle plates in AO C-type fractures of the distal radius: is there an advantage of palmar plates in the long term? J. Orthop. Surg. Res., 7: 8, 2012.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Johnson, N. A., Cutler, L., Dias, J. J., Ullah, A. S., Wildin, C. J., Bhowal, B.: Complications after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Injury, 45: 528-533, 2014.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Jupiter, J. B., Marent-Huber, M.: Operative management of distal radial fractures with 2.4-millimeter locking plates. A multicenter prospective case series. J. Bone Jt Surg., 91-A: 55-65, 2009.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kakarlapudi, T. K., Santini, A., Shahane, S. A., Douglas, D.: The cost of treatment of distal radial fractures. Injury, 31: 229-232, 2000.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Karantana, A., Downing, N. D., Forward, D. P., Hatton, M., Taylor, A. M., Scammell, B. E., Moran, C. G., Davis, T. R. C.: Surgical treatment of distal radial fractures with a volar locking plate versus conventional percutaneous methods: a randomized controlled trial. J. Bone Jt Surg., 95-A: 1737-1744, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kaukonen, J. P., Karaharju, E. O., Porras, M., Lüthje, P., Jakobsson, A.: Functional recovery after fractures of the distal forearm. Analysis of radiographic and other factors affecting the outcome. Ann Chir Gynaecol, 77: 27-31, 1988.
- Kenwright, J., Richardson, J. B., Goodship, A. E., Evans, M., Kelly, D. J., Spriggins, A. J., Newman, J. H., Burrough, S. J., Harris, J. D., Rowley, D. I.: Effect of controlled axial micromovement on healing of tibial fractures. Lancet, 2: 1185-1187, 1986.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Krischak, G. D., Krasteva, A., Schneider, F., Gulkin, D., Gebhard, F., Kramer, M.: Physiotherapy after volar plating of wrist fractures is effective using a home exercise program. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., 90: 537-544, 2009.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kwan, K., Lau, T. W., Leung, F.: Operative treatment of distal radial fractures with locking plate system-a prospective study. Int. Orthop., 35: 389-394, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Kwok, I. H. Y., Leung, F., Yuen, G.: Assessing results after distal radius fracture treatment: a comparison of objective and subjective tools. Geriatr. Orthop. Surg. Rehabil., 2: 155-160, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lafontaine, M., Hardy, D., Delince, P.: Stability assessment of distal radius fractures. Injury, 20: 208-210, 1989.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lattmann, T., Meier, C., Dietrich, M., Forberger, J., Platz, A.: Results of volar locking plate osteosynthesis for distal radial fractures. J. Trauma, 70: 1510-1518, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Leung, F., Zhu, L., Ho, H., Lu, W. W., Chow, S. P.: Palmar plate fixation of AO type C2 fracture of distal radius using a locking compression plate-a biomechanical study in a cadaveric model. J. Hand Surg. Br., 28: 263-266, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Levin, S. M., Nelson, C. O., Botts, J. D., Teplitz, G. A., Kwon, Y., Serra-Hsu F.: Biomechanical evaluation of volar locking plates for distal radius fractures. Hand (N Y), 3: 55-60, 2008.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lichtman, D. M., Bindra, R. R., Boyer, M. I., Putnam, M. D., Ring, D., Slutsky, D. J., Taras, J. S., Watters, W. C., Goldberg, M. J., Keith, M., Turkelson, C. M., Wies, J. L., Haralson, R. H., Boyer, K. M., Hitchcock, K., Raymond, L.: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guideline on: the treatment of distal radius fractures. J. Bone Jt Surg., 93-A: 775-778, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- LOHSTRÄTER, A., GERMANN, S., BAK, P., SMOLENSKI, U.: Kosteneffektivität und Qualitätssicherung des Rehamanagements der Verwaltungs-BG am Beispiel von Patienten mit distalen Radiusfrakturen. Phys. Rehab. Kur. Med., 4: 15 - A35, 2005.
Go to original source...
- Lozano-Calderón, S. A., Souer, S., Mudgal, C., Jupiter, J. B., Ring, D.: Wrist mobilization following volar plate fixation of fractures of the distal part of the radius. J. Bone Jt Surg., 90-A: 1297-1304, 2008.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Lucado, A. M., Li, Z.: Static progressive splinting to improve wrist stiffness after distal radius fracture: a prospective, case series study. Physiother. Theory Pract., 25: 297-309, 2009.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- MacDermid, J. C., Roth, J. H., Richards, R. S.: Pain and disability reported in the year following a distal radius fracture: a cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet. Disord., 4: 24, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Macintyre, N. R., Ilyas, A. M., Jupiter, J. B.: Treatment of forearm fractures. Acta Chir. orthop. Traum. čech., 76: 7-14, 2009.
Go to original source...
- McAuliffe, T. B., Hilliar, K. M., Coates, C. J., Grange, W. J.: Early mobilisation of Colles' fractures. A prospective trial. J. Bone Jt Surg., 69-B: 727-729, 1987.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- McCall, T. A., Conrad, B., Badman, B., Wright, T.: Volar versus dorsal fixed-angle fixation of dorsally unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures: a biomechanic study. J. Hand Surg. Am., 32: 806-812, 2007.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- McFadyen, I., Field, J., McCann, P., Ward, J., Nicol, S., Curwen, C.: Should unstable extra-articular distal radial fractures be treated with fixed-angle volar-locked plates or percutaneous Kirschner wires? A prospective randomised controlled trial. Injury, 42: 162-166, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Michlovitz, S. L., LaStayo, P. C., Alzner, S., Watson, E.: Distal radius fractures: therapy practice patterns. J. Hand Ther., 14: 249-257, 2001.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Millett, P. J., Rushton, N., Millet, P. J.: Early mobilization in the treatment of Colles' fracture: a 3 year prospective study. Injury, 26: 671-675, 1995.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Monument, M. J., Hart, D. A., Salo, P. T., Befus, A. D., Hildebrand, K. A.: Posttraumatic elbow contractures: targeting neuroinflammatory fibrogenic mechanisms. J. Orthop. Sci., 18: 869-877, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Murakami, K., Abe, Y., Takahashi, K.: Surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with volar locking plates. J. Orthop. Sci., 12: 134-140, 2007.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Nana, A. D., Joshi, A., Lichtman, D. M.: Plating of the distal radius. J. Am. Acad. Orthop. Surg., 13: 159-171, 2005.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Nesbitt, K. S., Failla, J. M., Les, C.: Assessment of instability factors in adult distal radius fractures. J. Hand Surg. Am., 29: 1128-1138, 2004.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Neuhaus, V., King, J. D., Jupiter, J. B.: Fixation of osteoporotic fractures in the upper limb with a locking compression plate. Acta Chir. orthop. Traum. čech., 79: 404-410, 2012.
Go to original source...
- O'Neill, T. W., Cooper, C., Finn, J. D., Lunt, M., Purdie, D., Reid, D. M., Rowe, R., Woolf, A. D., Wallace, W. A.: Incidence of distal forearm fracture in British men and women. Osteoporos. Int., 12: 555-558, 2001.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Osada, D., Fujita, S., Tamai, K., Iwamoto, A., Tomizawa, K., Saotome, K.: Biomechanics in uniaxial compression of three distal radius volar plates. J. Hand Surg. Am., 29: 446-451, 2004.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Osada, D., Kamei, S., Masuzaki, K., Takai, M., Kameda, M., Tamai, K.: Prospective study of distal radius fractures treated with a volar locking plate system. J. Hand Surg. Am., 33: 691-700, 2008.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Osada, D., Viegas, S. F., Shah, M. A., Morris, R. P., Patterson, R. M.: Comparison of different distal radius dorsal and volar fracture fixation plates: a biomechanical study. J. Hand Surg. Am., 28: 94-104, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Osti, M., Mittler, C., Zinnecker, R., Westreicher, C., Allhoff, C., Benedetto, K. P.: Locking versus nonlocking palmar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Orthopedics, 35: e1613-7, 2012.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Prommersberger, K.-J., Pillukat, T., Mühldorfer, M., van Schoonhoven, J.: Malunion of the distal radius. Arch. Orthop. Trauma Surg., 132: 693-702, 2012.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Putter, C. E. de, Selles, R. W., Polinder, S., Hartholt, K. A., Looman, C. W., Panneman, M. J. M., Verhaar, J. A. N., Hovius, S. E. R., van Beeck, E. F.: Epidemiology and health-care utilisation of wrist fractures in older adults in The Netherlands, 1997-2009. Injury, 44: 421-426, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Qu, Y., Xu, J., Jiang, T., Zhao, H., Gao, Y., Hou, W.: Unstable distal radius fractures: restoration of the radial length with use of special palmar fixed-angle plate. Handchir. Mikrochir. Plast. Chir., 45: 1-5, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- S1-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie Distale Radiusfraktur.: AWMF-Registernummer 012 - 015. http://www.awmf.org/leitli-nien/detail/ll/012-015.html, 2008.
- Schupp, A., Tuttlies, C., Möhlig, T., Siebert, H. R.: Der distale Speichenbruch. Winkelstabile Osteosynthese mit 2.4 mm Formplatten. Ist der Aufwand gerechtfertigt? Chirurg, 74: 1009-1017, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Schütz, M., Kolbeck, S., Spranger, A., Arndt-Kolbeck, M., Haas, N. P.: Die winkelstabile palmare Plattenosteosynthese bei der dorsal dislozierten distalen Radiusfraktur-Anwendung und erste klinische Erfahrungen. Zentralbl. Chir., 128: 997-1002, 2003.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Shin, E. K., Jupiter, J. B.: Current concepts in the management of distal radius fractures. Acta Chir. orthop. Traum. čech., 74: 233-246, 2007.
Go to original source...
- Smith, P., Adams, W. P., Lipschitz, A. H., Chau, B., Sorokin, E., Rohrich, R. J., Brown, S. A.: Autologous human fat grafting: effect of harvesting and preparation techniques on adipocyte graft survival. Plast. Reconstr. Surg., 117: 1836-1844, 2006.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Soong, M., van Leerdam, R., Guitton, T. G., Got, C., Katarincic, J., Ring, D.: Fracture of the distal radius: risk factors for complications after locked volar plate fixation. J. Hand Surg. Am., 36: 3-9, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Souer, J. S., Buijze, G., Ring, D.: A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing occupational therapy with independent exercises after volar plate fixation of a fracture of the distal part of the radius. J. Bone Jt Surg., 93-A: 1761-1766, 2011.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Sügün, T. S., Gürbüz, Y., Ozaksar, K., Toros, T., Kayalar, M., Bal, E.: Results of volar locking plating for unstable distal radius fractures. Acta Orthop. Traumatol. Turc., 46: 22-25, 2012.
Go to original source...
- Tahririan, M. A., Javdan, M., Nouraei, M. H., Dehghani, M.: Evaluation of instability factors in distal radius fractures. J. Res. Med. Sci., 18: 892-896, 2013.
- Vang Hansen, F., Staunstrup, H., Mikkelsen, S.: A comparison of 3 and 5 weeks immobilization for older type 1 and 2 Colles' fractures. J. Hand Surg. Br., 23: 400-401, 1998.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Wentzensen, A., Leutfink, D.: Externe Qualitässicherung am Beispiel der distalen Speichenbrüche. Ein Pilotprojekt der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung. Z. Arztl. Fortbild. Qualitatssich., 91: 484-485, 1997.
- Wilcke, M. K. T., Hammarberg, H., Adolphson, P. Y.: Epidemiology and changed surgical treatment methods for fractures of the distal radius: a registry analysis of 42,583 patients in Stockholm County, Sweden, 2004-2010. Acta Orthop., 84: 292-296, 2013.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Wildner, M., Döring, A., Meisinger, C., Clark, D. E.: Frakturen im höheren Lebensalter-eine Herausforderung für Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung-Ergebnisse der KORA-Frakturstudie Augsburg. Gesundheitswesen, 67 (Suppl. 1): S180-6, 2005.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...
- Willis, A. A., Kutsumi, K., Zobitz, M. E., Cooney, W. P.: Internal fixation of dorsally displaced fractures of the distal part of the radius. A biomechanical analysis of volar plate fracture stability. J. Bone Jt Surg., 88-A: 2411-2417, 2006.
Go to original source...
Go to PubMed...