[Treatment of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures with a double dorsal plate: a study of 12 patients].
BACKGROUND
Distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement and comminution are unstable and difficult to treat. Several surgical techniques have been suggested. Dorsal plates may have some advantages because of the failure of external fixation and pinning. The biomechanical superiority of radius reconstruction using two dorsal plates in both radial columns has been demonstrated in comparison to other techniques.


METHODS
A prospective study was made on 12 patients with distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement, operated with double Mathys plates used in neutralization, and seven cases were grafted with Endobon.


RESULTS
We have a follow-up of ten months. According to the Herzberg score, one case was rated as excellent, seven as good, three as medium and one as bad. The average flexion was 48.3 degrees, extension 49.8 degrees, pronation 75 degrees and supination 80 degrees. We found two cases of algodystrophy, and one of malunion.


CONCLUSIONS
The best indication to apply the double dorsal plates on distal radius fractures is for metaphyso-diaphyseal fractures with dorsal displacement, comminution and articular involvement. Among its advantages, plating allows good control of the articular surface and of the "posterior-middle" fragment. A stable and solid ostheosynthesis allows rapid re-education and mobilization.
Fernandez Baca
F
F
Institut français de chirurgie de la main, 5, rue du Dôme, 75116 Paris, France. fred_fernand@hotmail.com
Benrahho
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*