title: Reoperation for metalwork complications following the use of volar locking plates for distal radius fractures: a United Kingdom experience.
abstract: Volar locking plates are increasingly used in the management of distal radius fractures. As with any new implant, understanding the rate and type of potential metalwork related complications is important. In this study, we reviewed 114 distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plating. Our aim was to determine the type and rate of metalwork complications requiring reoperation. In our series, 12 cases (10%) underwent further surgery for metalwork related complications mainly for screw protrusion into the radiocarpal joint following fracture collapse. Our results suggest that volar locking plates are associated with a high rate of metal work related complications requiring further surgery. Technical aspects to reduce such complications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Upper Limb Surgery, Stepping Hill Hospital, Poplar Grove, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 7JE, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sahu
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Charalambous
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Batra
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ravenscroft
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult