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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

Surgical correction of deformities of the distal radius due to fractures in pediatric patients.

INTRODUCTION: The indication and treatment of malunited fractures of the distal radius in the growing skeleton differ from those for adults. The literature results are scarce. In this study we examined the results of surgical correction following fractures of the distal radius in infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven infant patients with malaligned fractures of the distal radius that demonstrated significant functional deficit and poor prognosis for spontaneous recovery were treated with surgical correction. Two of them were treated because of growth disturbance from post-traumatic closure of the distal radial physis. RESULTS: All seven osteotomies healed with acceptable radiologic alignment. After an average follow-up period of 3 years and 1 month (range 10 months to 8 years and 4 months), patients had an average range of wrist motion (ROM) of 131 deg in extension and flexion (93% of the contralateral side, 130% of presurgical situation); 65 deg in ulnar and radial deviation (94% of the contralateral side, 122% of presurgical situation); and 177 deg in pronation and supination of the forearm (97% of the contralateral side, 115% of presurgical situation). The average grip strength of 71.4 kPa was nearly equal to the other side with 72.8 kPa. The average postoperative angulation of the distal radius was 12 (range 10-17) deg, the radial inclination 20 (range 12-30) deg, and the ulnar variance was -0.6 (range -3 to +2) mm. According to the Fernandez point score system as well as the scale of Fernandez, there were five excellent results and two good results. The patients described low disability on the DASH scores, with a median of 4 (range 0-41) points. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical correction for malunited fractures of the distal radius provides good and excellent radiological and functional results in the growing skeleton. It should be considered immediately if there is poor remodeling capacity and disabling loss of function.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Predictors of early and late instability following conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify radiological predictors of early and late instability following conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study design was employed using patient records and standardized radiological follow-up examinations as data sources. The database at a single institution was used to identify all patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures over the course of 1 year. A total of 71 patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures (50 dorsally displaced, 21 undisplaced) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were predominantly female (87%) with a pooled mean age of 64.9 years. All patients with displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures underwent closed reduction with subsequent cast immobilization. Undisplaced fractures were simply treated with cast immobilization. The primary outcomes were early (1 week) and late (6 weeks) instability of the fracture. Instability was defined as: (1) dorsal tilt >15 degrees, (2) volar tilt >20 degrees, (3) ulnar variance >4 mm, (4) radial inclination <10 degrees. RESULTS: Degree of radial shortening and volar tilt were predictive of early instability ( p<0.05), with dorsal comminution also approaching statistical significance ( p=0.06). Radial inclination, age, radial shortening, and volar tilt were predictive of late failure ( p<0.05). An unexpected result showed that one-third of undisplaced fractures went on to fail, most of which occurred in those patients over the age of 65 years. CONCLUSION: An awareness of independent predictors of instability in extra-articular distal radius fractures is helpful in anticipating the final alignment outcome.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2004

Correlations of calcaneal QUS with pQCT measurements at distal tibia and non-weight-bearing distal radius.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is used for prediction for risks of osteoporotic fractures at various skeletal sites, irrespective of weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing skeletons. In the current study, we investigated the correlation between calcaneal QUS measurements (BUA, VOS, and Soundness) and volumetric trabecular, cortical, and its integral bone mineral density (tBMD, cBMD, and iBMD) using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of the weight-bearing distal tibia and non-weight-bearing distal radius in 198 healthy Chinese women between 40 and 62 years of age. Results showed that BUA, VOS, and Soundness measured by calcaneal QUS were significantly correlated with tBMD, cBMD, and iBMD of both distal tibia and distal radius (r = 0.210-0.447; all P < 0.01). The correlation coefficients of all the individual parameters between calcaneus and distal tibia were correspondingly higher (r = 0.214-0.447; all P < 0.01) than that of distal radius (r = 0.210-0.368; all P < 0.01). QUS Soundness showed the highest correlation (r = 0.447; P < 0.01) with tBMD of distal tibia when comparing with all other parameters between these two measurement devices. Stronger "within-device" correlations (r = 0.640-0.764; all P < 0.01) were found in pQCT measurements between distal tibia and radius. In addition, the largest and significant age-related decline was found in tBMD of the distal radius measured by pQCT and Soundness of the QUS measurement in the postmenopausal group. In conclusion, heel QUS measurement demonstrated slightly better correlation with trabecular bone of the weight-bearing skeleton than that of the non-weight-bearing skeleton measured by pQCT.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Cross-sectional geometrical properties and bone mineral contents of the human radius and ulna.

The mechanical strength of the human radius and ulna depends on their geometrical and material properties. This study quantifies the cortical bone cross-sectional properties of the adult radius and ulna (cross-sectional area, thickness, centroids, area moments of inertia and section moduli) using computerized tomographic (CT) scanning coupled with image processing along the lengths of eight human cadaveric forearms. Bone mineral mass and apparent ash density were also quantified at serial locations. Sites of significant variation of selected geometric and mineral properties along the length of each forearm bone were determined. Our results show that interpolation of CT measurements made at 10 and 30% of the radial length in the radius and 30 and 90% of the radial length in the ulna can provide approximate geometric values over the 10-90% region. This information can be used to develop a protocol using the fewest sites to clinically assess changes in forearm bone geometry. Regression analyses did not show significant linear relationships between geometric properties and apparent cortical ash density. Thus, CT derived geometric properties are not helpful in estimating the extent of changes in bone density. Area moment of inertia results suggest that the junction of the middle and distal third of the radius, and the ulnar shaft region may have increased vulnerability to fractures. The former is likely due to the change in moment of inertia values, whereas the latter is due to the relatively small magnitude of cross-sectional moments along the ulnar shaft as compared to the proximal or distal ends. This is consistent with fracture patterns observed clinically when a single forearm bone is fractured: Galeazzi fracture of the radius and nightstick fracture of the ulna.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMed1991

Bone mineral density of the spine and radius shaft in children with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH).

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is characterized by inadequate skeletal mineralization. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the radius shaft and the lumbar spine was determined in 13 children with XLH. Ten patients were on treatment, whereas three patients had discontinued treatment 20-32 months prior to this study. Two of them had radiological evidence of rickets. The radius shaft BMD was significantly diminished: Z score was -1.33 +/- 0.89 (P less than 0.001), while the BMD of lumbar spine was significantly augmented (Z score +1.95 +/- 1.17, P less than 0.001). A positive correlation was found between the Z scores for the BMD of the radius shaft and spine. The two patients with overt rickets had lower radius shaft BMD values and a lesser increment of BMD of the spine. The BMD deficit of cortical bone may be related to the lack of efficacy of the treatment and/or to an intrinsic defect of the bone on this disease. On the other hand, the augmented BMD of the lumbar spine might reflect the overabundance of partially mineralized osteoid. The determination of the BMD of the radius shaft by SPA was a sensitive method for detecting abnormalities of the bone mass in XLH patients under treatment without radiological signs of rickets.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Correlation between wrist loads and the distal radius volar tilt angle.

BACKGROUND: Based on the phenomenon of bone adaptation to mechanical stimuli (Wolff's law) this study investigates a previously unreported correlation between the maximum wrist joint reaction force and the volar tilt angle of the distal radius. METHODS: Free body analysis of the sagittal-plane forces acting on the supinated distal radius during lifting and radiographic measurements in thirty normal wrists are used to analyse the correlation between the theoretically calculated maximum wrist joint reaction force and the radiographically measured volar tilt angle. FINDINGS: Non-statistically significant difference (p=0.33, 95% confidence interval -0.64 degrees to 0.22 degrees) and statistically significant correlation (R(2)=0.74, r=0.86, p<0.001) between the angle of the maximum wrist force and the volar tilt angle of the distal radius and inverse relationship between the volar tilt angle and the magnitude of the maximum wrist force (R(2)=0.71, r=-0.84, P<0.001) were found. INTERPRETATION: The radiographically measured volar tilt angle of the distal radius appears not to differ significantly from the theoretically calculated angle of the maximum wrist joint reaction force, a possible explanation for the phylogenetical development of the volar tilt angle. Also, an inverse relationship between the volar tilt angle and the magnitude of the maximum joint reaction force was observed suggesting that wrists characterized by a low volar tilt angle may be subjected during lifting activities to maximum joint reaction forces up to 50% higher than those in wrists with a high volar tilt and emphasising the importance of accurate restoration of the volar tilt during treatment of all distal radius fractures.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Rotational deformity in malunited fractures of the distal radius.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rotational deformity in malunited fractures of the distal radius and its effect on forearm rotation. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with a symptomatic malunion of the distal radius (25 with dorsal angulation and 12 with volar angulation) were assessed for rotational deformity of the distal fragment. Spiral computed tomographic scans were taken of both wrists. Rotational deformity was evaluated by comparing the radial torsion angle of the injured and uninjured sides according to Frahm. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify the radiologic parameter that had the most important influence on forearm rotation. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients, 23 showed a rotational deformity of the distal radius. In both dorsally and volarly angulated malunions, pronation and supination deformities were identified. There was a tendency toward more pronation deformities with volar malunion. Volar angulated malunion with a rotational deformity of less than 10 degrees showed the smallest amount of forearm supination. Losses of pronation-supination did not correlate with the amount of rotational deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that rotational deformity is common with angulated malunions of the distal radius. The effect on forearm rotation should not be overestimated. Pretreatment computed tomographic scanning of both wrists to identify and measure malrotation of the distal radius may be helpful to improve the outcome after corrective osteotomy.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Volar fixed-angle plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly patient.

PURPOSE: Increased incidence of falls and osteoporosis combine to make distal radius fractures a major cause of morbidity for the elderly patient. This report presents our experience treating distal radius fractures in the elderly population using a volar fixed-angle internal fixation plate. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively all patients older than 75 years treated during a period of 4 years and 7 months at our centers for unstable distal radius fractures using a volar fixed-angle plate. Postoperative management included immediate finger motion, early functional use of the hand, and a wrist splint used for an average of 3 weeks. Standard radiographic fracture parameters were measured and final functional results where assessed by measuring finger motion, wrist motion, and grip strength. RESULTS: Of 26 patients that fit the inclusion criteria, we were able to evaluate 23 patients with 24 unstable distal radius fractures for an average of 63 weeks. Final volar tilt averaged 6 degrees and radial tilt 20 degrees, and radial shortening averaged less than 1 mm. The average final dorsiflexion was 58 degrees, volar flexion 55 degrees, pronation 80 degrees, and supination 76 degrees. Grip strength was 77% of the contralateral side. There were no plate failures or significant loss of reduction, although there was settling of the distal fragment in 3 patients (1-3 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly patient with a volar fixed-angle plate provided stable internal fixation and allowed early function. This technique minimized morbidity in the elderly population by successfully handling osteopenic bone, allowed early return to function, provided good final results, and was associated with a low complication rate.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Condylar blade plate fixation of unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius.

PURPOSE: To review the results of condylar blade plate fixation of unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius. METHODS: Twenty-four patients in whom a minicondylar blade plate was used to repair an unstable fracture of the distal ulna associated with a fracture of the distal radius were reviewed retrospectively an average of 26 months (range, 12-50 months) after injury. According to the Q modifier of the Comprehensive Classification of Fractures, there were 1 simple fracture of the ulnar neck (Q2), 20 comminuted fractures of the ulnar neck (Q3), and 3 fractures of the head and neck (Q5). Subsequent surgeries included repeat fixation and autogenous cancellous bone grafting in 2 patients with nonunion of the distal radius and 1 with nonunion of the distal ulna. Seven patients had a second operation to remove the ulnar plate secondary to discomfort from plate prominence. RESULTS: The final average motion was as follows: degrees of flexion (range, 30 degrees-80 degrees), 52 degrees of extension (range, 40 degrees-90 degrees), 76 degrees of pronation (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees), and 70 degrees of supination (range, 45 degrees-90 degrees). Grip strength averaged 64% of the contralateral, uninjured extremity (range, 35%-100%). Final radiographic measurements included an average palmar tilt of the distal articular surface of the radius of 8 degrees (range, 0 degrees-20 degrees of palmar tilt), ulnar inclination of 21 degrees (range, 15 degrees-25 degrees), and ulnar positive variance of 1 mm (range, 0-4 mm). There were no problems related to the distal radioulnar joint. According to the system of Gartland and Werley as modified by Sarmiento, there were 6 excellent, 15 good, and 4 fair results at final evaluation. CONCLUSION: For unstable fractures of the distal ulna associated with fracture of the distal radius, condylar blade plate fixation can achieve healing with good alignment, satisfactory function, and an acceptable rate of secondary surgery.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Biomechanics in uniaxial compression of three distal radius volar plates.

PURPOSE: A new fixed-angle volar plate for a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture was designed with the aim of avoiding soft tissue problems due to dorsal plating. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of this new plate with 2 existing volar plates in a cadaver model. METHODS: Three different plates were applied on surgically simulated unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures in formalin-fixed cadaver radiuses. Group 1 (volarly placed AO titanium Distal Radius plates [Synthes Ltd, Paoli, PA]; n = 6), group 2 (volarly placed titanium Symmetry plates [DePuy ACE Co, El Segundo, CA]; n = 6), and group 3 (volarly placed newly designed titanium plates; n = 6) were tested to failure under axial compression with a materials testing machine. Specimens of all 3 groups had similar bone mineral density. RESULTS: Group 3 specimens had significantly greater elastic limit and ultimate strength than the other 2 groups. Specimens of group 3 had the greatest rigidity, although this was statistically insignificant compared with the other 2 groups. All plates (groups 1, 2, 3) failed in apex volar angulation. CONCLUSIONS: The newly designed plate fixation system is the strongest of the systems tested and may offer adequate stability for the treatment of a distal radius fracture in which the dorsal and/or volar metaphyseal cortex is comminuted severely.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Volar fixed-angle plating of distal radius extension fractures: influence of plate position on secondary loss of reduction--a biomechanic study in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: Treatment of extension fractures of the distal radius with volar fixed-angle plates has become increasingly popular in the past 2 years. It has been observed clinically that placement of the distal screws as close as possible to the subchondral zone is crucial to maintain radial length after surgery. The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate radial shortening after plating with regard to plate position and (2) to evaluate whether plate position has an influence on the strength and rigidity of the plate-screw construct. METHODS: An extra-articular fracture (AO classification, A3) was created in 7 pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaver radiuses. The radiuses then were plated with a volar distal radius locking compression plate. Seven plates were applied subchondrally; 7 plates were applied 4.5 mm to 7.5 mm proximal to the subchondral zone. The specimens were loaded with 800-N loads for 2,000 cycles to evaluate radial shortening in the 2 groups. Each specimen then was loaded to failure. RESULTS: Radial shortening was significantly greater when the distal screws were placed proximal to the subchondral zone. The amount of shortening after cyclic loading correlated significantly with the distance the distal screws were placed from the subchondral zone. Rigidity of the plate systems was significantly higher in radiuses in which the distal screws were placed close to the subchondral zone. CONCLUSIONS: To maintain radial length after volar fixed-angle plating, placement of the distal screws as subchondral as possible is essential. The subchondral plate-screw-bone constructs showed significantly greater rigidity, indicating higher resistance to postoperative loads and displacement forces.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Functional outcome of en bloc excision and osteoarticular allograft replacement with the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius.

PURPOSE: Multiple options have been reported for reconstruction of Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius after resection. In 1990, the senior author described an allograft reconstruction combined with a Sauve-Kapandji procedure after distal radius resection and reported preliminary results in 3 patients. The purpose of this study was to assess with validated patient outcome surveys the intermediate to long-term outcomes of all patients treated with this surgery and to analyze their functional results and document tumor control. METHODS: All cases of distal radius osteoarticular allograft combined with the Sauve-Kapandji reconstruction for Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumors performed from 1986 to 2000 by a single surgeon were evaluated by clinical and radiologic examinations; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form-36; and Mayo Wrist scores. RESULTS: Nine consecutive patients (7 women, 2 men) with an average age at follow-up evaluation of 42 years and with a Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius formed the study population. Clinical follow-up time after reconstruction averaged 7 years. Examination showed an average of 51 degrees of extension and 19 degrees of flexion of the wrist and 63 degrees of supination and 79 degrees of pronation of the forearm. Grip strength measured in 5 patients averaged 23 kg. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form-36; and the Mayo Wrist scores averaged 15, 72, and 73, respectively. These scores indicate modest functional impact. No patient had tumor recurrence, metastases, nonunion, or proximal ulna instability. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc resection of a Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius followed by reconstruction with an osteoarticular allograft and a Sauve-Kapandji procedure with autogenous bone graft results in a reasonable functional outcome at intermediate to long-term follow-up evaluation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Outcomes using an internal osteotomy and distraction device for corrective osteotomy of distal radius malunions requiring correction in multiple planes.

PURPOSE: Many different methods have been proposed for correction of distal radius malunions; however, precise correction of a severe malunion that requires simultaneous adjustment of displacement, angulation, and rotation in multiple planes is difficult. This prospective study measured radiographic and functional outcomes using an adjustable osteotomy, distraction, and fixation system for distal radius malunions that required correction in multiple planes. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with symptomatic distal radius malunions requiring correction in multiple planes were recruited into this study. All patients had correction of the malunion with an adjustable osteotomy, distraction, and fixation device. Radiographic parameters and objective and subjective functional outcomes were measured before surgery and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: All radiographic measurements improved after surgery. Grip strength, pinch strength, and the Jebsen-Taylor test showed only marginal improvement. Ulnar deviation of the wrist and forearm pronation-supination improved, but the wrist extension-flexion arc did not. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire showed improvement in all domains, and significant improvement was seen in the overall, work, aesthetic, and satisfaction domains. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, however, also indicated a substantial amount of residual impairment in all domains, including activities of daily living and pain. CONCLUSIONS: Corrective osteotomy with the adjustable osteotomy, distraction, and fixation device resulted in improvement in distal radius anatomy and function. However, not all improvements were statistically significant, and anatomy and function did not returned to baseline levels. Despite residual disability, patients noted substantial improvement in subjective outcomes. This system is useful for improving anatomy and function in distal radius malunions that require correction in multiple planes, but patients should be informed that they cannot expect to regain normal anatomy or function. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2001

Extraarticular external fixation in distal radius fractures pinplacement in osteoporotic bone.

External fixation is a well accepted treatment option in distal radial fractures. The fixator can be used in two different ways: joint bridging or extraarticular. The extraarticular technique presumes that the fracture does not involve the radio-carpal joint and that the distal fragment is broad enough to accommodate two fixator screws. Taking into account that the majority of distal radius fractures occur in elderly female patients the question arises whether osteoporotic bone is an obstacle to extraarticular external fixation. Bone slices of 2mm thickness were cut out of six human cadaver radii with a mean age of 76 years (from 65 to 94 years) in the saggital plane. A radiograph of each slice was digitized and the distribution of gray values measured. It was found that the radiographic density was highest at the palmar side of the distal radius in a triangular area built by the palmar lip of the radius. In this region, even in severe osteoporotic bone, strong trabeculae are visible running parallel to longitudinal axis of the radius. Fixator screws inserted into the distal radial fragment especially in an osteoporotic situation should be securely anchored in the palmar lip of the distal radius.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The annual incidence and seasonal variation of fractures of the distal radius in men and women over 25 years in Dorset, UK.

Adults who suffer fractures of the distal radius are at increased risk of further osteoporosis related fractures and represent a high-risk group in whom therapies are available to reduce the risk. We have undertaken a prospective study of distal radius fracture patients over the age of 25 years to establish the extent of the problem in Dorset. All patients presenting with any forearm fracture to hospitals serving Dorset residents during 1 year were identified. Fracture type was assessed following scrutiny of the hospital notes. Analysis included calculation of rates per 10,000 population using Dorset Health Authority population estimates and seasonal variation. Ninety-six percent of all patients presented to three of the seven hospitals. One thousand six hundred and eighty-eight individuals with a diagnosis of forearm fracture were identified but only 1300 had a fracture of the distal radius. There was a female:male ratio of 3.9:1. In women, the incidence of distal radius fracture rose from a premenopausal baseline of 10 per 10,000 population per year to a peak of 120 per 10,000 population per year over 85 years. In men, the fracture incidence gradually increased from 10 per 10,000 before 65 years to 33 per 10,000 after 85 years. There was a detectable seasonal variation. Our data are in keeping with recent surveys in Europe and suggest that a change in the incidence of fracture of the distal radius with age has occurred over the last 30 years.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Functional limitation immediately after cast immobilization and closed reduction of distal radius fractures: preliminary report.

The majority of research on distal radius fractures consists of retrospective, descriptive studies of patients with unstable fractures requiring fixation. The purpose of this investigation was to report on impairments in flexibility, grip strength, and motor control and on the presence of swelling and atrophy immediately after cast immobilization of closed reductions of simple distal radius fractures. Sixteen adult subjects from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco, entered the study, and 13 completed it. At the initial evaluation, upper extremity ranges of motion, grip strength, forearm circumferences, two-point discrimination, and motor reaction times were measured on the uninvolved side. The same measurements were taken on the affected side within 48 hours after cast removal. All but one subject worked throughout the casting period. There were significant postcasting impairments in forearm rotation (40% deficit in pronation and supination); wrist flexion, extension, and radial and ulnar deviation (50% reduction in all motions); grip strength (-32 kg, or approximately 24% of the strength of the unaffected side); and forearm circumference (-1.1 cm) and wrist circumference (+1.5 cm). Patients complained of awkwardness of the involved hand. These measured impairments immediately after immobilization of simple radius fractures were greater than the reported impairments in patients after reduction of radius fractures with fixation 6 to 27 months after injury. To prevent long-term disability and recover flexibility, strength, and function, patients with simple distal radius fractures should be referred to a hand, occupational, or physical therapist for evaluation, education, and treatment after immobilization. Longitudinal studies are needed to quantify long-term functional recovery with regard to the type of fracture and the degree of impairment measured immediately after casting.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Mechanical strength of the proximal femur as predicted from geometric and densitometric bone properties at the lower limb versus the distal radius.

This experimental study compares geometric and densitometric properties of cortical and trabecular bone at the lower limb and the distal radius with those at the femoral neck, and evaluates their ability to predict mechanical failure loads of the proximal femur. One hundred five cadavers were examined with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (LpQCT), with measurements being performed in situ at the distal radius (4%, 20%, 33%), at the distal and proximal tibia, at the tibial and femoral shaft, and at the distal femur. Ex situ measurements were obtained at the femoral neck and at the proximal femoral shaft. Pairs of femora were mechanically tested in a vertical loading and a side impact (fall) configuration. The total (cross-sectional) bone mineral content and trabecular density, but not the cortical properties, displayed a higher association between the femoral neck and the peripheral lower limb than between the neck and the distal radius. Approximately 50%-60% of the variability of femoral failure loads (and >80% of trochanteric side impact fractures) were predicted by in vitro measurements at the neck. Geometric cortical parameters and density contributed independently and significantly to femoral strength. Measurements at the peripheral skeleton explained, however, only 30%-45% of the variability of femoral failure, with no significant difference between the lower limb and the distal radius. At peripheral sites, a combination of geometric and densitometric variables was slightly superior to bone mineral content alone in predicting failure in vertical loading, but this was less evident for cervical side impact fractures. The results show that a stronger association of total bone mineral content and trabecular density between the femoral neck and the lower limb does not translate into improved prediction of femoral strength from measurements at the lower limb vs. those at the distal radius.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[Distal radius fractures--retrospective quality control after conservative and operative therapy].

BACKGROUND: The distal radius fracture is the most frequent fracture in the adult patient. The wide spectrum of different types of fracture and the coexisting factors make the choice for the optimal treatment difficult. As an interne quality control we retrospectively evaluated all patients with distal radius fractures treated in 1995 at our institution. METHODS: The study included 69 adult patients with 71 distal radius fractures. After on average 26 months 58 patients with 59 fractures were clinically and radiologically evaluated. The patients were asked to give supplementary information about their follow-up treatment as well as any remaining physical difficulties and limitations in the daily life. All x-rays of the broken radius were carefully analysed and compared with the opposite side. The final results were evaluated according to the "Demerit Point System". RESULTS: Patients were treated with five different therapeutical methods. 76.3% of the patients showed a very good/good final result. In 56.7% of the cases secondary fracture dislocation occurred; the dislocation-rate of fractures treated with percutaneous k-wires was 93.3%! A clear correlation between secondary displacement and final results was found. CONCLUSION: A main factor for an optimal outcome is the anatomic restoration of length and axis of the distal radius as well as of joint congruency, also moderate angular deformities are well tolerated. Our collective showed an unexpected high rate of secondary displacement, especially in the k-wire group. The reasons for this unsatisfactory event are manifold: too optimistic indication, insufficient follow-up examination in the first four to six weeks, inconsequent change to a more stable fixation method in case of a secondary dislocation. The results of this retrospective evaluation had a major impact on our concept of treatment. The dorso-radial double-plate technique combined with bone graft will be more used in the future especially in younger patients. The new standardised concept is the base of a present prospective study.

Adolescent↗