[Long-term results following ORIF of dorsal dislocated distal intraarticular radius fractures].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the sequelae of distal intraarticular radius fracture with regard to the development of arthritis and clinical symptoms.


METHODS
In a retrospective follow-up examination, 72 patients with a distal intraarticular radius fracture could be included for clinical and radiological investigation 9 years following the trauma. All fractures were treated by ORIF and cortico-cancellous bone grafting.


RESULTS
Radiological evaluation revealed 5.1 degrees palmar tilt, 19.1 degrees radial tilt and the ulnar variance amounted to -0.5 mm. The articular cavity depth in the sagittal plane measured with 4.6 mm, 1.2 mm more than the non-involved side. Articular step-off was noticed in 6 patients. According to the Knirk and Jupiter classification system, two patients healed without arthritis, 43 patients presented arthritis stage 1, and 27 stage 2. Evaluation of the data showed a significant correlation between arthritis and articular cavity depth. But arthritis had neither influence on the DASH, nor the pain level. On the other hand, arthritis led to decreased sagittal wrist motion.


CONCLUSIONS
ORIF of distal intraarticular radius fractures led to predictable results concerning restoration of length and form of the distal radius. Arthritis had a minor influence on the clinical end result.
Lutz
M
M
Universitätsklinik für Unfallchirurgie, Innsbruck, Osterreich. martin.lutz@uklibk.ac.at
Arora
R
R
Smekal
V
V
Krappinger
D
D
Gschwentner
M
M
Rieger
M
M
Pechlaner
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries