title: Plating of the distal radius.
abstract: Distal radius fractures are common injuries that can be treated by a variety of methods. Restoration of the distal radius anatomy within established guidelines yields the best short- and long-term results. Guidelines for acceptable reduction are (1) radial shortening < 5 mm, (2) radial inclination > 15 degrees , (3) sagittal tilt on lateral projection between 15 degrees dorsal tilt and 20 degrees volar tilt, (4) intra-articular step-off < 2 mm of the radiocarpal joint, and (5) articular incongruity < 2 mm of the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. Treatment options range from closed reduction and immobilization to open reduction with plates and screws; options are differentiated based on their ability to reinforce and stabilize the three columns of the distal radius and ulna. Plating allows direct restoration of the anatomy, stable internal fixation, a decreased period of immobilization, and early return of wrist function. Buttress plates reduce and stabilize vertical shear intra-articular fractures through an antiglide effect, where-as conventional and locking plates address metaphyseal comminution and/or preserve articular congruity/reduction. With conventional and locking plates, intra-articular fractures are directly reduced; with buttress plates, the plate itself helps reduce the intra-articular fracture. Complications associated with plating include tendon irritation or rupture and the need for plate removal.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA.
authors.forename: Arvind D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Nana
authors.forename: Atul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Lichtman
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome