Refracture rate after plate removal from the radial metaphysis.
OBJECTIVE
To document the refracture rate after removal of internal fixation at the metaphyseal region of the distal radius and to compare this rate to that associated with diaphyseal plate removal reported in the literature.


METHODS
A chart review with telephone follow-up.


METHODS
Three tertiary care hospitals (in Ottawa, Burlington, Vt., and London, Ont.).


METHODS
Fifty-three patients (54 radii) underwent elective removal of internal fixation of the distal radius after distal metaphyseal procedures. The mean follow-up was 46.8 months.


METHODS
The refracture rate.


RESULTS
No refractures were reported after plate removal, and the overall complication rate was minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
The refracture rate at the metaphvsis of the radius after plate removal is lower than the rate after diaphyseal plate removal reported in the literature.
Houle
Jean B
JB
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ont.
Tabrizi
Payam
P
Giachino
A Alan
AA
Benoit
Michel Y
MY
Richards
Robert S
RS
Grabowski
Jenny
J
D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence